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BOSTON: 
MERCANTILE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

No. 258 PrkLHASE SlRKFfT. 
1890. 



PREKACK. 



In tliis historical and statistical review of the commercial and manufacturing 
interests of Middletown and vicinity, it has been our purpose in as thorough a manner 
as was possible to justly describe those enterprises which have contributed so largely 
during the last half century to the material advancement of the city. History plainly 
shows that many large cities owe their prosperity and growth chiefly to advantages of 
situation, great influx of foreign people, and similar causes ; the present prosperity of 
this section, however, is due also to the genius and efforts of its people. A study of 
these facts, and of its varied mercantile interests, which are presented herewith, must 
show clearly, we think, the rich harvests that have been reaped from the exertions 
and foresight of the past, tiie present flourishing and influential position of Middle- 
town and vicinity as a commercial centre, and its bright outlook for many lines of 
gi'owth in the time to come. 

MERCANTILE PUBLISHING COMPANY. 



[See' last page for Index. ] 



COPYRIGHT. 

MERf.VXTlLE PUBUSHINO CO. 

1890. 











Fair, uolile, gloiicius livei', in t)iy wave 

The sunniest slupes and sweetest pastiu-es lave : 

The niouutain tnrrent. with its wintry roar, 

.Springs from its lioiue and leaps upon thy shore : 

The promontories love thee — and for this 

Turn their rough clieeks and stav thee for thv kiss." 



EARLY HISTORY 



In writing a sketch of Middletown it is necessary to turn back to the 
time when the earliest English settlers came to the land now known as New England, and sought to 
inake a home in what was then little more than a wilderness. It was in the year 1650 that the sons 
■of the Pilgrims first came to this fair town of Mattabesett, or forest city, as it was called by the 
Indians, lying beside the broad Connecticut, noblest of New England rivers, nestling among the 
surrounding hills and almost hidden from view in the dense foliage of the forest trees. No pale-face 
had ever been seen in this region, and the Indian as yet was in full ])ossession of his patrimony when 
the brave colonists made their appearance. After a few years the aspect of the place began to change 
— small clearings with rude huts or log houses might be seen, and the more substantial fortress or 
block-house, which served as a place of refuge in case of attack from their savage neighbors. For the 
■most part, however, the two races lived peaceably side by side until with the advance of civilization, 
and in spite of his strength and bravery, the red man was obliged to retire before the white. English 
•colonists from the vicinity of Boston had been invited in 1636 by the Indians who lived in the region 
about Hartford, to settle among them, with the expectation that the presence of the settlers might be 
a protection from their most dreaded enemies, the fierce Mohawks, and the equally warlike Pequots. 
■Soon after this the Pequot war was undertaken and these hostile tribes alraost^destroyed. This was 
•of the greatest importance to all the settlements on the Connecticut river, for it struck terror into the 
Indians throughout this region and prevented their rising against the English, to any extent, for 
Bearly forty years. 



4 MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

During this time many settlements were made in Connecticut, but Mattabesett was for a time- 
passed over, principally because it was the stronghold of a large tribe, whose powerful Saclu-m,. 
Sawheag, was suspected of being an enemy to the English. This chief had his fortress on a hill 
situated about a mile back from the river, now known as Indian Hill, and dedicated as the place of 
final repose for the earthly remains of the descendants of these colonists. 

It was not until 1650, after the subject had been under discussion for several years, that thi> 
settlement was actually made, all details concerning it being unobtainable, as the first pages of the- 
town records are lost and others are nearly obliterated. It is known, however, that in 10.51 thfr 
General Court "ordered sentenced and decreed that Mattabeseck shall bee a To wne, and that they 
shall make cboyce of one of theire inhabitants, according to order in that case, that so hee may take 
the oath of a Constable, the next cniivonicnt season." 




■ita 



AiK Link liinixiE and Island. 



"It is ordered that Mattabeseck and Xorwaulk shall be rated this present year in their proporcon, 
according to the rule of rating in the Country, for their cattle and other visible estate, and that 
Norwaakk shall present to Mr. Ludlow and Mattabeseck to Mr. Wells in each Towne one inhabitant, to- 
bee sworne by them Constables in their several Townes." 

Two years later it was approved "that the name of the plantation commonly called ilattabeseck^ 
should for time to come be called Middletown." This name was chosen, as some think, because the 
settlement lay between the towns up the river and Saybrook at its mouth ; others that it was taken 
from some English town, whose name the colonists wished to perpetuate in their new home. 

Before the commencement of the settlement Mr. Haynes, governor of Connecticut, had obtained 
from Sawheag a great part of the township, for a certain consideration, but it was not till many years^ 
after the death of this chieftain that the settlors came into full possession. The deed is as follows : 

"This writing made the twenty-fourth uf January, 1672, between Sepunnamoe, Joan, alias 
Weekpissick, Machize, Wesumpsha, Wamphauch, Spunno, Sachamas, Taccomhuit, proprietors of 
Middletown, alias ^lallabesett, of the one part, and Mr. Samuel Wyllys, Capt. John Talcott, Mr. 
James Richards, and John Allyn, in behalf of the inhabitants of Middletown, on the other part, 
witnesseth, that the said Sepunnamoe, Joan, alias Weekpissick, Machize, Wesumpsha, Wam])hauch,. 



MWDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEItEST. 



Spunno, Sacliamas, 'raecomliuit, being 
privy to and well acqiiaintc(l with Saw- 
lieag, the great Sachem of Mattabesett, 
his gift of great part of the township of 
Middletown to the Honorable Mr. Hanyes 
formerly, and for a further and full con- 
sideration to us now granted and paid, by 
the said ^[r. Samuel Wyllys, ('apt. John 
Taleott, Mr. James Richards and John 
AUyn, have given, granted, bargained, 
flold and confirmed, and by these presents 
-do fully and absolutely give, grant and 
•confirai unto the said gentlemen, all that 
tract of land within these following abute- 
menls, viz. : on WethersHuld bounds on 
the north, on Iladdam bounds on the 
south, and to run from the great river 
tlie whole breadth towards the east six 
miles, and from the great river towards 
the west so far as the General Court of 
Connecticut hath granted, the bounds of 
Middletown shall extend ; to have and to 
hold the aforementioned tract of land as 
it is bounded, with all the meadows, 
pastures, woods, underwood, stones, quar- 
ries, brooks, ponds, rivers, profits, com- 
modities, and ajjpurtenances whatsoever 
belonging thereunto, unto the said Mr. 
Samuel Wyllys, C'apt. John Taleott, 3Ir. 
James Richards and John Allyn, in behalf 
and for the use of the inhabitants of the 
town of Middletown, their heirs and 
assigns forever ; always provided there 
be three hundred acres of land within the 
township of Middletown on the east side 
■of the Connecticut river, laid out, bounded, 
and recorded to be ami remain the heirs 
of Sawheag and the Mattabesett Indians 
and their heirs forever ; as also one par- 
cel of land on the west side of Connecticut' 
river, formerly laid out to Sawseau, shall 
be recorded and remain to the heirs of the 
said Sawseau forever, anything in this 
•deed to the contrary notwithstanding. 
And the foresaid Sepunnanioe, Joan, alias 
Weekpissick, Machi/.e, Wesumpsha, 
Waraphauch, Spunno, Sachamas, Taccom- 
liuit, for themselves, do covenant to and 
with the said Mr. Wyllys, Capt Taleott, 
Mr. Richards and John Allyn, in behalf 
■of the inhabitants of MidiHetown, that 
•they the said Scpunii.-uiinc, .loan, Machize, 






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6 MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

Wesumpsha, etc., have only full power, good right and lawful authority to grant, bargain, sell and 
convey all and singular the before hereby granted, or mentioned to be granted premises, with their 
and every of their appurtenances, according as is above expressed, unto the 8ai(\ Mr. Wyllys, Capt. 
Talcott, Mr. Richards and John Allyn, in behalf of the inhabitants of Middletown aforesaid, their 
heirs and assigns forever, and that they, the said inhabitants of Middletown, shall and may by force 
and virtue of these presents, from time to time and at all times forever hereafter, lawfully, peaceably, 
and quietly, have, hold, use, occupy and pcssess and enjoy the aforesaid parcel of land with all its 
rights, members and appurtenances, and have, receive and take the rents, issues and profits thereof to 
their own proper use and behalf forever, without any let, suit, trouble or disturbance whatsoever of 
the said Sepuiinanioe, Joan alias Weekpissick, Machize, Wesumpsha, "Warapauch, Spuno, Sachamas, 
Tacconihuit, their heirs or assigns, or of any other person or persons, claiming right by, from or under 
us, or any of us, or by the means, act consent, privity or procurement, and that free and clear, and 
freely and clearly acquitted, exonerated and discharged, or otherwise well and sufficiently saved and 




Main Street, looking. JSoutii from corner ok Court Street. 

kept harmless by the said Sepunnaraoe, Joan, Machize, Wesumpsha, .Waiu|iaiich, Spuno, Sacha- 
mas, Tacconihuit, their heirs, executors and administrators, of and fnim ;ill foiiner and other grants,, 
gifts, bargains, sales, titles, troubles, demands, and incumbrances whatever, liad, made, committed,. 
suflFered, or done by the said Sepunnamoe, Joan, Machize, Wesumpsha, Wamphauch, Spunno,. 
Sachamas, Tacconihuit. In witness hereof they have signed, sealed, and delivered this writing with 
their own hands the day and year first above written. 
"Signed, sealed, and ilelivcred in presence of us : 

Joseph Nash, 



George Graves, 
Thomas Edwards, 
Robert Sandford, 
Messeiikgkn, X hia mark, 
Wannohok, X liis mark, 
Tarramuggu.*, X his mark, 
I'rssACUNX. X his mark, 
Taccumhuit, X his mark. 



Sachamas' Mother, x her mark, 
Sepunxamoe, X his mark, 
JoA.v alias Weekpissick, x his inark» 
^[a.machize, X his mark, 
Wksimpsha, X his mark, 
Mampiiaiieh, X his mark, 
Si'UN.vo, X his mark, 
Sachamas, x iiis mark." 



MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



The original is entered in tbe old Court Book of Records, folio 70, April otlu 1673, " per me, 
John Allyn, Secretary." 

" Middletown, April the eighth, one thousand six hundred and seventy-three, Pashama, Rashiask, 
Massecumb, Robin, Pewaraskin, with the consent of the natives, who signed and sealed the deed above 
written, were acknowledged to be interested in this land reserved to them therein and for themselves, 
their heirs and assigns, did and by these presents do give, grant, and confirm unto the inhabitants of 
Middletown, their heirs, and assigns, forever, all their right, title, interest, in all that tract of land 
granted by the above written 
deed unto the said inhabitants 
of Middletown fully and 
largely as is expressed in the 
above written deed, as witness 
our hands the day and year 
first above written. 

"Signed, sealed, and delivered 
in tbe presence of us : 

Nathaniel White, 
John Hall, 
Samuel Stocking, 

KaSHIASk's X MARK, 
PasHUMa's X MARK, 

Masskcumb's X mark, 
Robin's x mark, 

PeWAMSKIn's X MARE." 




Corner Washington and High Streets. 



"The above written is a true record of the deed of the land within the township of Middletown 
from the Indian proprietors. Per me, John Hall, Recorder." 

As the colonists made advances in clearing and cultivation, the Indians gradually moved farther 
away, though they held lands in the neighborhood until 17IH, and made the Sabethe or Little river 
the head of navigation for their canoes, as they made trips up and down the Connecticut in search of 
food. It is not absolutely known who were the first settlers, the earliest entry now extant being a 
vote for building a meeting-house, dated February 2, 1652. Hitherto their place of worship had been 
under the shade of a grand old elm, which stood at the entrance of the grave-yard. The meeting- 
house was soon built, and though a rude bnildiiig, only twenty feet square, it served its purpose for 
nearly thirty years, when a new one was built. The settlement, which originally included the present 
towns of Chatham, Portland, Cromwell, Middlefield and a small part of Berlin, was sixteen miles in 
length, from east to west, and nine in breadth from north to south, and was made under the constitu- 
tion of 1639, which allowed the colonists to elect their own officers and unite with others for the elec- 
tion of officers for the commonwealth. This was superseded by the charter of Charles II., 
procured by Governor Winthrop from that monarch, which gave the people the legal management 
of all their own concerns. They elected their ofticera wisely, choosing men of high moral standing, who 
in many instances, continued in these positions till their death. A few of these prominent men, who 
were highly honored by their fellow-citizens, may be here mentinned. Nathaniel White, who was 
one of the first magistrates ; Giles Hamlin, his son John, and his grandson, Jabez ; Seth Wetraore, 
Samuel W. Dana, Asher Miller, John Hall, Robert Webster, Nathaniel Brown, George Hubbard, etc. 

In 1670 there were but fifty-two houses in the town and tfhirty-five surnames, many of which are 
now borne by prominent citizens. After this time the population increased, and by 1750 six parishes 
were formc<l in the township. Those were all Congregational societies, and it was not for some time 



8 MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

afterwards that other denominations settled in Middletown. The people were assembled for worship 
by the beat of a drum, given to the town by Mr. Giles Hamlin, and the meeting-house was guarded 
during service by a small force of armed men, as a security from attack of the Indians. The colonists 
were of a practical turn of mind and had a fair amount of learning. As early as \<S1&, when their 
means were small, they felt the necessity for having a school wherein to educate the children, and an 
agreement was made to pay £25 to a Mr. Webb for teaching school one year. 

In October, 1686, the court granted permission to build a bridge over " ferrye river," now Little 
river, and in 1688, Francis Whittemorc and his heirs were permitted to receive "the fare of two 
pence money for each time for horse and man and load, and one ponnie a lime a single person." 

One of the early ordinances adopted was "A Bye-Law Restraining Swine and Geese from Going 
at large in the City." 

The whipping-post, which stood at the South Green, was used as late as 1825 for the punishment 
of minor offences, and afterwards as a sign-post, for posting notices. 

During the first century, the financial condition of the people did not greatly improve. They 
almost all looked to their clearings and forests for means of support, but gradually various industries 
sprang up, such as ship-building, mining and quarrying. In 1680, there was but one merchant in the 
place — a single vessel of seventy tons was owned in Middletown, and only one other, of ninety tons, 
was owned on the river, that being at Hartford. It was not until the latter part of the eighteenth 
century, or during the fifty years preceding the Revolution, that any amount of wealth was amassed 
in the communitj'. A profitable trade was opened with the West Indies, during which time many 
Middletown merchants laid the foundations of large fortunes, foremost among whom were Richard 
Alsop, Col. Matthew Talcott, George Phillips, Elijah and Nehemiah Hubbard, Genl. Comfort Sage, 
and numerous others. This trade stimulated agriculture as well as domestic manufactures, and the 
increase in the population was very apparent. Ship-building now became an important occupation, 
grist-mills, saw-mills, fulling-mills for dressing home-made cloth, were erected, and the different 
trades, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, shoemakers, etc., multiplied. The best lauds 
were cultivated and yielded abundant crops of corn and other grains. Quantities of provisions and 
great numbers of cattle and horses were sent to the West Indies, and in return, the merchants received 
sugar, molasses, rum, and various articles of valuable merchandise from these ports. 

The West India trade, and almost all other trade was suspended during the Revolutionary War, 
when all able-bodied men were called upon to deliver their country from the yoke of the oppressor. 
Few towns suffered more from the calamities of this war than Middletown, owing to the almost 
total interruption of its foreign commerce. The people, however, did not for this or any 
other reason hesitate in the discharge of what they considered their duty to their country. They 
obeyed the summons cheerfully, and during this long and bloody war, many a gallant Middletown 
man gladly lay down his life in defence of the rights of the land. All trade was willingly broken off 
with England, though this meant poverty for many families. Every energy was bent upon sending 
men and supplies to our army. When, with the battle of Lexington in April, 1775, the war began in 
earnest, a company of light infantry, constituted at Middletown the previous year, with Capt. Meigs 
in command, marched immediately to the envii-ons of Boston " completely uniformed and equipped," 
where Capt. Sage, another Middletown man, was already in charge of a company of light horse. 

At this time a lead mine in this town, was in the hands of the British. It was found that Colonel 
James, one of their officers, had prepared a quantity of the ore for exportation, which the government 
of Connecticut now seized for its own use. 

At this same time the brilliant scheme for taking Ticonderoga was formed in Connecticut, many 
Middletown men taking part in it and furnishing funds for the purpose, foremost among whom were 
Samuel Ilolden Parsons, Sam'l Wyllys and Silas Dean. 

In the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, which occurred the following June, and in the other 
battles of this war, Middletown furnished her quota of brave soldiers, a large number serving in 
Washington's army. It is recorded that " they signalized themselves in all the achievements and were 
distinguished for their sufferings as well as for their valor." 



MIDDLETOWN AXD ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 9 

During the year 1776, the standing militia of Connecticut were subjected to five heavy drafts, and 
it would be easier to say who did not go to the war, than to enumerate those who went from this 
town. Their privations and hardships were very great. Many were taken prisoners an<l died without 
seeing their homes again. It would be difficult to tell all that the people of this neighl)orhood did 
■during this long struggle. They showed brave and stout hearts and proved their devotion to their 
•country to the utmost. Of those who died in prison the names are known of James Smith, Abijah 
Kirby, Nathan Edwards and Reuben Ivirby. These are only a few of the great number whose names 
■are not recorded. It is impossible to ascertain how many officers and men from this town were in the 
■Continental army, for many of the records of this time have been lost, .and but few names remain. 
Among the most prominent figures during this period was Captain Return Jonathan Meigs. He was 
made captain in 17 74, major the following year, and he accompanied Arnold on the expedition against 




Soldiers' M(.ixume.\'t. in Ixdiax Hill Cemetery. 



the city ofj Quebec. Colonel Meigs returned to iNIiddlolou-n after tlie war, where he remained till 
1787, when lie moved to JNfarietta, Ohio. At iho time of liis death, in 1823, he was Indian agent 
•among the Cherokees, who named liim "The White Path." 

With the renewal of liostilities on the northern border in 181 2, Middletown again took a [Momi- 
nent part. The hero of the memorable battle fought at Lake Champlain, and the commandant of the 
United States naval forces there, was the gallant Captain McDonoiigh, of this town. We would 
refer our readers for a detailed account of this brilliant victory, to the admirable description given by 
J. Fenimore Cooper. Our forces were greatly inferior to the British, but Capt. INIcDonough so 
•encouraged his men, that they fought with the courage of despair. The victory was great and 
triumphant. The stand taken by Capt. McDonough was the.; subject of universal admiration. lie 
was promoted for his services, and received numerous gifts from difi^erent States and towns, besides 
the usual medal from Congress. 



10 



MIDDLETO WN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



Commodore McDonough was in the navy until just before his death, wiien, from ill health, he- 
was forced to resign liis command of the Constitution. He left Gibraltar, and sailed for home ii* 
October, 1S25, and on the 10th of November died at sea. His loss was deeply mourned by the country 
at large, and his remains were accompanied with military ])omp to their last resting-place. Some of 
his descendents are at this day among the best-known citizens of Middletown. 



GROWTH OF THE CITY AND ITS INDUSTRIP:S DURING THIS CENTURY. 

The Revolution having come to a successful issue, commerce once more began to revive. 

A petition dated January 15, 1784, was signed and presented to the legislature the following- 
May, asking that Middletown should be invested with city privileges. The signers alleged that 
" many inconveniences wore felt by them, as well as by strangers, for want of a due regulation of the 
police of the town," and that many other regulations for the commercial interests of the place were 
impossible to accomplisii without a separate and special jurisdiction. This petition was granted, and 
Middletown, together with Hartford, New Haven, New London and Norwich, were constituted cities 
in May, 1784. Jabez Hamlin was elected mayor at the first city meeting that same year, and con- 

tinned to hold the office until 



hisdeath, in 1791. Besidesthe 
commercial revival, the city 
itself began to grow. In 1815, 
there were in the city 299- 
dwellings and 353 families, — in 
1850, there were 603 dwelling- 
houses and 718 families. 

As a place of residence and 
natural beauty, Middletown- 
has few equals and has always 
been justly celebrated. 
Washed along its eastern bor- 
der by the majestic and beau- 
tiful Connecticut River, on the 
north by the winding Sabethe 
or Little River, bounded oi> 
the west by a chain of pictur- 
esque hills, abounding ia 
streams and rivulets in every 
direction — easily accessible by 
land and water, endowed with a fertile soil and healthful climate, what place could be more attractive 
to settle in and enjoy a peaceful life ! But no place thrives by remaining stationary, and soon churcbesr 
banks, a court-house, custom-house, jail, etc., were built, besides a nuiulter of factories. 

In consequence of the failure of foreign commerce, which gradually died out after the Revolu- 
tion, numerous enterprising men were obliged either to move away, or resort to manufacturing. 
Many chose this latter alternative, and the result is, that Middletown, from having been the centre of 
the great West India trade, now became the manufacturing centre of the State. 

One branch of foreign commerce was still carried on with great success for many years. This- 
was the trade with China, conducted by the house of Russell & Co., founded by Mr. Samuel Russelt 
in 1824. This house still exists and is said to have the best credit of any house engaged in the busi- 
ness. Some of the factories were in operation before the clo.se of the war, especially those for making- 
powder and fire-arms. In 1810, Col. North started a pisCol manufactory at Staddle Hill, a suburb of 
Middletown, which was the first manufactory of government pistols in this country. For many years 
the product was about 10,000 pistols yearly. During the war of 1812, every available spot in the 
vicinity was selected for the erection of factories to supply government demands, and here was the 




High Street, Looking North, 



MIDDLETO WN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



11 



chief and almost only source of government supplies. Swords, rifles, muskets, revolving fire-arms^ 
pistols, powder, etc., were all made here, and several hundred thousand dollars of government money 
found its way annually into the old Middletown Bank and the United States Branch Bank. Multi- 
tudes of other manufacturing interests have sprung up during the present century. Prominent 
among them, and by far the largest is the Russell Manufacturing Co., which makes heavy cotton 
belting and hose, cotton and worsted webbing and suspenders, satin and silk ribbons, etc., etc. The 
large establishment of Messrs. W. & B. Douglas, where are made patent metallic pumps and 
hydraulic rams, which have gained the reputation of being the best pump and water elevator now in 
use, and are shipped largely to all parts of this country and Europe. The Stiles & Parker Press Co., 
the Middletown Plate Co., the Palmer Co. for manufacturing netting, Wm. Wilcox & Co. who make 
superior plate locks, and many others too numerous to mention in this sketch, some of which are 
noticed more at length in another part of this publication. They include factories making rubber 
goods, blind fasteners, sashes and blinds, silk, hardware, saddlery, harness trimmings, machinery. 




Union Gkeen and Soldiers' Monument. 



tools of various kinds, soap, articles of ivory and bone, etc., etc. All these industries represent many- 
thousands of dollars annually, and in addition to these, the retail trade has made great progress of late 
years. There are well-stocked and furnished stores, where nearly every article needed for consump- 
tion, apparel and household use may be obtained. 

In addition to these sources of industry, there is a good deal of mineral wealth in and about 
Middletown. It consists of lead, sulphur, a small amount of copper and silver, and a number of 
other minerals, besides feldspar quarries, which have been worked from time to time. 

Again with regret we have to record how the peacefulness and prosperity of this city was 
disturbed, by the sound of war being heard throughout the land. Every American citizen knows the 
sad story of our Civil War, the hardships endured without a murmur, and the great courage shown on 
both sides, the many bloody Ijattles fouglit and liie brave men killed on the field, or worse still, left to 
die a lingering death in the wretched prisons. The call to^ arms was instantly answered by men 
throughout New England, ready and eager to fight for their belove<l flag. 

The news of the bombardment of Fort Sumter created intense excitement in Middletown. Mass 
meetings were held, and the local companies, tlie Mansfield (Guards and an artillery company began to 



12 MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

prepare for active service, and to enroll recruits. A full company of volunteers, known as the Mans. 
field Guards, marched from Middletown, April 24, 18C1, under the command of Captain David 
Dickerson, going first to New Haven, and then to Washington. Two other companies, the Wesleyan 
Guards and the Union Guards, were formed, and left for the seat of war on the 16th of May. A 
committee, made up of some of the most influential men of the town, was formed for the purpose of 
equipping and uniforming the soldiers. The ladies also M'ere untiring in their endeavors. They 
organized an aid society for supplying the soldiers with such articles of comfort as the government 
oould not furnish, thereby relieving the suffering and gladdening the heart of many a weary soldier. 
Middletown sent many of her foremost citizens to swell the army, numbers of whom won renown for 
their gallant conduct. Others there were who never returned, and who are still mourned by their 
fellow-townsmen as well as by their immediate families. Though our space is necessarily limited, no 
sketch of Middletown, however brief, would be complete without special mention of one of her 
citizens, who was a notable hero in the late war, and nobly gave his life in defense of his country. 
This was General Joseph K. F. Mansfield. He was a prominent figure in many battles, both in the 
Mexican and the Civil War. In the former he was intrusted with the responsible post of chief engineer 
of the army commanded by Major General Taylor, during the years 1846-7. He was particularly 
■distinguished in the defense of Fort Brown, receiving the brevet of major, and at Monterey, September 
21, 22 and 23, 1S46, he was severely wounded, and was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for gallant 
conduct. Five months later, at Buena Vista, he received the brevet of colonel. At the outbreak of 
the Civil War, he was chosen inspector general of the army, with the rank of colonel. In April, 1861, 
lie was placed in command of the department of Washington, and at once commenced the work of 
fortifying the capital, receiving the appointment of brigadier-general of volunteers the following 
month. All the forts around Washington were engineered by General Mansfield, and built under his 
supervision. He was in command of the battle of Newport News, led our forces in the capture of 
Norfolk, May 10, 1862, and was soon after promoted to the rank of major-general. He was assigned 
to the command of a division in the army of the Potomac, September 10th, at the head of which a 
week later, while encouraging his troops at the battle of Antietam, he received wounds from which he 
died the next day, September 18, 1862. His remains were brought home, and amid the mourning of 
the entire population, he was buried with full military honors in the beautiful cemetery on Indian 
Hill, of wliich the city may be justly proud. A fine monument has been erected to his memory, and 
every year, on Decoration Day, his grave, together with those of all the gallant dead who perished in 
the war, are decked with Hags and flowers in memory of that sad time. A fine soldier's monument, 
costing $11,000 (of which the cut on page nine gives some idea), has since been erected to commem- 
orate the deeds of these brave men. Situated in a picturesque spot, on a mound in the midst of the 
Union Green, the bronze figure of an ideal volunteer infantry soldier, in the regulation uniform and 
overcoat, overlooks the passer-by. The figure is raised upon a pedestal of Quincy granite, the whole 
being nineteen feet eight inches in height. Tablets of bronze on the sides of the pedestal, bear the 
names of the 110 Middletown men who were killed in action, or died from wounds, and the following 
inscriptions : 

"Their Heroic Valor Insures Our Lasting Peace." 

"Honor to the Brave." 

"We Cherisli Their Memory." 

"Erected by the town of Middletowu in memory of her fallen Sons, 1874." 

About the base four twelve pound bronze cannons, taken from the Confederate army, and sixteen 
cannon balls are placed. 

The statue was dedicated June 23, 1874, with suitable ceremonies. 

When peace reigned once more, people tried to pick up the broken threads of their lives, for a 
long time, with but indifferent success. But gradually the tide of prosperity set in once more, 
and Jliddletown is today a well-to-do place of 15,140 inhabitants showing an increase of 3,408 
during the last ten j'ears. 



MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



13 



MIDDLETOWN OF TO-DAY. 

Middletown enjoys uiuisual facilities for traiispoitation both by land and water. The harbor is 
fine, and the river deeper here than it is beyond, so that vessels drawing ten feet of water can ascend 
to this city with perfect ease. It is the third city in the State for freight exports, ranking in this 
respect, before Hartford. A great deal of freight is taken to New York by steamboat, which leaves 
daily, with freight and passengers. The railroad connections are the Connecticut Valley, the Air Line 
Division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad, and the Middletown branch of the 
Hartford and New Haven railroad. Trains arrive at and depart from the new railroad station, built a few 
years ago on the site of the old Mortimer House, perhaps better known by the name of its late owner. 
Captain William G. Hackstaff. Mr. Philip Mortimer built this house near the river, ornamented and 
planted the several acres of ground, surrounding it with shade trees, and opened it to the public. It 
■was an object of admiration to everyone, and it is an interesting fact, that when a portion of the 




Main Steeet Looking South from Washington Stkekt. 



French army in the Revolution, were on their way from the East to Washington's encampment, they 
stopped over Sunday in Middletown, and the officers amused themselves by dancing under these trees, 
and cutting the names of Washington, Lafayette and other interesting characters in the bark. 

Now the place is completely metamorphosed. The trees have been felled, and a brick building 
stands in the place of the former wooden one. A fine drawbridge spans the river at this point, built 
and used exclusively by the Air Line railroad. 

Other buildings arc the court house, built in IS32, the second building of the kind in Middletown 
since the county of Middlesex was formed, which contains the records of the city and town, and the 
offices of the town clerk and selectmen ; the post-oftice, establisbedi n 17Y5, the oustom-house, built in 
18.34, the first floor now being used for the post-ofiice ; the county jail, a stone building containing 
twelve cells, built in 1848, and the alms-house, which was first occupied in 1814. 



14 MIDDLETO WN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

BANKS. 

The banking interests of Middletown are extensive and rank high in the State. The first one, 
the Middletown National Bank, dates from 1795, Elijah Hubbard having been the first president ; the 
Middlesex County National Bank, organized in 1830, by special charter from the legislature; the 
Central National Bank, dating from 1851, and the First National Bank, from 1864. There are two 
savings banks, the Middletown Savings Bank, founded in 1825, and the Farmers and Mechanics 
Savings Bank, incorporated in 1858, and two banking companies, the Middlesex Banking Company, 
incorporated by special act of legislature in 1872, which deals largely in Western real estate and 
loans, with a capital of 8600,000, and the C. E. Jackson Company. 

A bank protective association was organized in 1880, for the protection of the banks against 
burglars. An electric burglar alarm connects all the banks with headquarters, and assistants are in 
constant attendance, who are sent out in case of alarm. 

Insurance interests are in no way neglected in Middletown. There are five companies. The 
Insurance Co., The Fire Insurance Co., The ^Marine Fire Insurance Co., and the Middlesex Fire 
Assurance Co., the first having been founded al the beginning of the century. 

THE PRESS. 

Several daily papers have been issued at different times in this city, which were eventually 
■discontinued. At the present time two pa])ers are published dail}'. They are the Daily Herald, 
issued since 1883 by the Middletown Publishing Co., and the Penny Press. 

The weeklies are of longer standing. The Sentinel and Witness, formed by the union in 1832, of 
the Americayi Sentinel and the Witness, has always been the organ of the Democratic party in 
Middlesex county. It is issued every Saturday from its office near the corner of Main and Centre 
streets. A second weekly paper, called the Constitution, was first issued in Januarj% 1838, by Abner 
Newton. It was purchased in 1877 by Charles W. Church, son-in-law of the original owner, and is 
still conducted by him. 

THE WATER SUPPLY. 

The city water works are located on the Laurel Brook, on the division line between Middletown 
and Middlefield. They were constructed in 1SG6, under the supervision of George H. Bishop, a native 
■of Middletown and a skillful civil engineer, who was at that time president of the board of water 
commissioners. The entire property covers an area of eighty-six acres, seventy-two of these being 
used as a reservoir, which has a capacity for 200,000,000 gallons. It was constructed at a cost of 
|;229,436.82. The fall of water to Main street is 168 feet. The water is used freely by the citizens 
for all purposes, it having been analyzed by an eminent chemist. Prof. Atwater of the Wesleyan 
University, who pronounced it "as pure and wholesome as we need wish." 

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The people of Middletown have always taken great precautions against fire, and the records show 
that there are few cities in the United States, of the same population, where so few fires have 
occurred. The first fire company was organized in 1803. The annals say, that each resident owner of 
a house, store or office was obliged to " keep in constant readiness and repair one good leather bucket 
containing not less than two gallons," and any person setting up a stove in a house, without the 
examination and approbation of the fire wardens, was to pay a fine of ^2. Some sections of the ordi- 
nances dated 1803, relating to "the Preservation of said City from Fire," are very curious, — notably, 
Section 23 : 

" That if any person whatever shall be found smoaking of segars in any highway in the city, he 
«hall forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar." Section 9 reads, " It is also enjoined of the Inhabi- 



MIDDLETOWN AlSiD ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



15 



*aiUs on the Cry of Fire in the Night, forthwith to place a lighted candle at one or more of the Front 
Windows of their respective Houses." 

The present fire department consists of one hook and ladder company, and three hose companies, 
The O. V. Coffin Hook and Ladder Co., The Douglas Hose Co., The Hubbard Hose Co., and the 
Forest City Hose Co. They have all rendered most valuable services to the city, and the whole 
•department is under the charge of Chief Engineer F. W. Willey. 

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. 

Educational matters have been looked upon since the earliest times, as being of the utmost 
importance in Middletown. Numerous ])rivate schools were opened, followed by Captain Partridge's 
^Military and Scientific Academy, an excellent school, which gained a widespread reputation. Thei'e 
are now numbers of district schools, besides a fine, large high school, built of brick and stone, situated 




WeSLEVAN LNl\KUbirY. (lUE l>(JinilTuUYj. 



•on College street, where the course of study is very thorough and complete, and the staff of teachers 
■exceedingly fine. The benefits of the high school have been very great, by bringing the higher 
English branches, and the elementary branches of Latin and Greek within the means of all. The 
tuition fees at first very moderate, are now entirely done away with. 

" Born as it were in the Lyceum of Capt. Partridge's Academy," is the Weslkyan University, 
•one of the largest educational institutions in the State. It was founded in 1831, under the direction 
of the Methodist Church, the first president, Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D.D., and the officers all being mem- 
bers of this body. The buildings are large, numerous and handsome, built chiefly of brown stone 
from the Portland quarries. These comprise a handsome memorial chapel, dedicated to thirteen of 
the alumni and students, who among the 133 from the university, had been in service in the Federal 
armies and fallen; the Orange Judd Hall of Natural Science; the library erected by Isaac Rich, with a 
•capacity for 100,000 volumes; dormitories, and an observatory which is fitted with one of Alvan 
dark's finest refracting telescopes. Their location, on High street, at the head of College street, is 
•exceedingly beautiful. A fine campus stretches in front of the buildings, shaded by enormous elms, 



16 



MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



the whole effect being most picturesque. This institution is very wealthy, and is continually receivings 
large bequests from people belonging to the ^Methodist society. The college property, including 
buildings, appurtenancesi, fixtures and endowment funds, amounts to 81,308,186. There are twenty- 
three members of the faculty, and the body of students in 1889, numbered 231, more than ever before. 
The college has graduated 1500 men, 1200 of whom are still living. Many of them are occupying the 
most influential positions in Church, Slate and school. The library now numbers 38,500 volumes. 
Property directly opposite the campus on High street has been recently purchased and fitted up as a 
dormitory for the young lady students, and it is proposed to build a new gymnasium. Five houses, 
have been purchased or built, and handsomely lilted up by the different fraternities connected with 
the university, to serve as club houses. Tluso are mostly situated near the college buildings, and 
form quite a feature of that part of the town. 

The president is the Rev. Bradford Paul Raymond, D.D., Ph.D., elected in 1888. He is a mai» 
exceptionally well fitted to fill the position, and the college promises to increase in prosperity and 
popularity under his management. 




...■=v,A';^ 




OR.\NGE JUDD HALL. 



\\'iisLiiVAN University, Middlk-jown. 

LniUARY. CHAPEL. 



OBSEUVATOUY. 



Another institution is tiie Berkeley Dimsity School, designed for the training of young nieu 
for the ministiy of the Protestant Episcopal Church. It was first established in Hartford, in connec- 
tion wiih Trinity College, the Right Rev. John Williams, D.D., bishop of Connecticut, and now 
presiding bishop of the church, having hold ihe position of chancelor and dean from the beginning. 
After the death of the Rev. S. F. Jarvis, his house, a three-story brick building, situated at the corner 
of Main and Washington streets, which is very large and had been built for a hotel in 1812, was 
offered to the Berkeley School as a gift, on condition ih.it it should be removed permanently to 
Middletown. This offer was accepted, and the bishop has since made it his residence, part of the 
building being used for libraries, class-rooms and sleeping-rooms for the students. It may be inter- 
esting to note the fact that when General Lafayette was passing through this portion of the 
country in 1825, a large public reception was given in his honor, in this house, then the Wash- 
ington Hotel. An exceedingly beautiful chapel near by, called St. Luke's Chapel, was built in 1861 
and presented to the Berkeley School in memory of Dr. Miltter, by his widow, who was a native of 
Middletown, and a lady well known for her generosity. Other buildings connected with the school 



MIDDLETO WN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



IT 



are a two-story building, useil as a clorniitory for students, a gymnasium, and the " Wright House," 
just beyond the cliapel, so called from the original owner, Joseph Wright. It was built, between the 
years 1745 and 1750, of brick made at Newfield. This is the first instance of American brick being 
used for building, all such material having been imported from England before that date. The 
library of the l^erkeley School numbers over 17,000 volumes, many of them being of great value, and 
the institution has an endowment fund of §173,210.00. 

THE RUSSELL LIBRARY. 

The educational facilities of Middletown are also eidianced by the Free Russell Library, the 
generous gift to the city, in 1875, of the late Mrs. Samuel Russell, in memory of her husband. This 
building is of Portland stone, situated at the corner of Broad and College streets on the old site of the 
Episcopal Church, and is in fact, remodelled from it. It comprises a large number of valuable books 




Bkoad Street, opposite Russell Library. 

of reference, a circulating library, and a recently enlarged hall, in which entertainments are given. 
The book cases have a capacity for 25,000 volumes. Mrs. Russell expended |i20.000 in remodelling 
this building, §6,000 in books, .ind endowed it with §40,000. The income goes to defray the expenses 
and to purchase new books. 

Another gift of ^Irs. Russell, is the 2:)retty brown stone mortuary chapel, situated near the 
entrance of Indian Hill Cemetery. 



CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

By far the most extensive institutioti in this city, or in the State, is the Connecticut Hospital for 
the Insane, which was opened April 30, 18*iS. Situated on high ground, at some little distance from 
the city, it commands a magnificent view of the river in either direction. The buildings are numer- 
ous, handsome and of enormons size, the original ones being built of Portland stone, the later ones of 
brick. They comprise three distinct buildings, known as the main^ middle and south hospitals, besides 
an annex and five cottages. A .steam-engine of twenty-five-horse power is connected with tiiem, and 
is used for supplying artificial ventilation and other purposes. A beautiful lawn, edged with fine trees 



18 MIDDLETOWN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

and dotted here and there with fountains and beds of bright-hiied flowers, slopes down to the road, 
and is an object of admiration to every passer- by. The total of appropriations at the close of 1883 
was $788,043. In June, 1888, the receipts amounted to ^310,939.38. The average number of 
patients present during the year 1887-8 amounted to 1292, an increase of 800 upon ten years ago. 
The resident oflicers are aided in the care of the patients by 179 assistants. All patients who are 
able, are employed in some way, averaging about half of the men and forty per cent, of the 




Connecticut IIostital fok the Insane, Middletown. 



women. Numerous entertainments are provided for the patients — music, lectures, etc., etc., and a 
number of newspapers and periodicals. The success of this institution has been very great since its 
formation, and the present superintendent, James Olmstead, M.D., is eminently fitted for carrying on 
this vast work. 

CONNECTICUT INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. 

This is not a State Institution, but a private charity, incorporated and employed by the Slate for 
the custody, guardianship and instruction of viciously inclined girls, between the ages of eight and 
sixteen years, or those who are considered in danger of falling into habits of vice. Each one 
committed by legal process the State treats as wards, and pays for at the rate of §2.75 a week. Its 
design is not that of a prison, but a temporary place of custody and instruction, where the children 
can receive a good moral, mental and physical training, which they could not have elsewhere and 
which will enable them later to fill good positions, and become useful members of society. Each girl 
is kept in the institution until she is twenty-one yeai's of age, unless sooner discharged according to 
law. The school was incorporated in 1868, and received its first inmates in January, 1878. Its present 
condition is most prosperous and encouraging. It has a beautifully located, well cultivated and 
stocked farm, five large houses or homes accommodating two hundred inmates, a scliool building, 
chapel, box., factory, superintendent's and farmer's house, barns and other buildings. There are 
thirteen buildings in all, eight of brick and five of wood. Seven hundred and eighty-nine i)upils were 
received from January 1, 1870 to June, 1887, and the number during this latter year amounted to 212. 
The superintendent is Mr. W. G. Fairbanks. He receives valuable aid in the management of the 
institution from his wife, and a competent force of matrons and teachers. 

Among the charities on a smaller scale, are the St. Luke's Home for destitute and aged women, 
and the Middlesex County Orphan's Home, both most excellent institutions. 



MIDDLETO WN AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 19 



RELIGIOUS BODIES. 



As was generally tlie case in New England colonies, the Congregationalists were the first religious 
%ody to settle in Micldletown. As already mentioned, they soon built a rude meeting-house. The 
society was formed November 4, 1608, eighteen years after the first settlement of the town, with 
Nathaniel Collins as pastor. It was the seventeenth planted in the colony of Connecticut, and is 
nearly one hundred years older than any other in the town. The society is known as the " Fii-st 
Church of Christ in Middletown." The present church is the fifth that has been built. It is an 
imposing structure on Court street near Main, and was built in 1872. 

Next in date comes the Protestant Episcopal Church, or the American branch of the Church of 
England. There was no regular parish until 1750, and the fir.st church was built two years later. 
The second stood on the site of the Russell Library, and the present handsome edifice is situated on 
Main street. 

A second Congregational society formed itself in 1754, the members calling themselves "Strict 
Congregationalists." The present church edifice was dedicated in 1S:H). It is situated at the corner 
of Main street and the South Green. 

On the south side of the green, is the Methodist Episcopal Churcli. This form of worship was 
held by circuit preachers for some time before the erection of their first church in 1805. The congre- 
gation has increased very rapidly since the establishment of the Wesleyan University, as the faculty, 
their families, and most of the students are connected with it. The present building is of brick, and 
•was erected in 1828. 

The Baptist society was formed in this city in 17'.'5. They built their first house of worship in 
1809. The present one was built in 1842 at a cost of §12,500. , 

The Universalisls first held service in the Lancasterian School House, for about ten years, when 
in 18;i9, a house of worship was built at the corner of Main and College streets. 

A short distance west of the University stands the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
-society was organized in 1828, and the following year a church was built entirely by subscription. 

An imposing edifice is the Roman Catholic Church. In 1843 they erected a brick building for the 
purpose, fronting the north green. It was soon found insufficient to accommodate the members, and 
accordingly a larger one of Gothic architecture, and of Portland stone, was begun on the same site, in 
1850. 

In 1884 the second centennary of the city was celebrated. A large concourse of people was 
present, the population of the town being increased, for the time, to double its size. Addresses were 
ma<le, odes read, and songs sung. All the civic organizations of the city were represented in full 
force, streets and buildings were gay with bunting, and the procession was a remarkably fine one. 
Those who had heirlooms loaned them for this occasion, — old vehicles, farming implements and every- 
thing that could represent the industries of Middletown in the olden time, or enhance the interest of 
the procession was pressed into service. 

This city has from the earliest times been distinguished for her prominent men, who have 
•occupied the highest position in all the walks of life — in the ministry, the law, medicine, science and 
business. 

Middletown is now more attractive and desirable as a place of residence than ever before. The 
present activity in house-building is unprecedented in the annals of the city, nearly one hundred 
houses having been erected during the past year, and the carpenters are so hard ])ushed that it is 
difficult to secure their services. 

Prominent streets have been newly paved and curbed. Two lines of horse-cars have been 
■introduced, electricity is rapidly taking the place of gas, the water supply is very fine, and all the 
varied industries of the city are wakening to a broader and more active life under the influence of the 
•electric spirit of the modern age. ^ 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN 



OF 



MIDDLETOWN. 



Middletown National Bank, lliddletown. Conn. — The 
banking interests and facilities of Middletown arc not sur- 
passed by those of any other community of equal size in 
the United Slates, and the Middletown National Bank is 
the oldest and has borne the most prominent part in the 
commercial history and life of the town. It was chartered 
as far back as 1795 and orjjauized in 1801, but was reor- 
ganized under the national banking la^vs in 18()5. Its first 
dividend, three dollars per share, was payable in July, 
1802, and dividends of from six to twelve per cent per 
annum have continued up to date. In January, 1890 the 
bank paid its 180ih dividend, and it is but simple 
justice to say that during the entire ninety five years 
of its existence it has been carried on in a manner 
which has won for it a brilliant record of unimpeachable 
honor, business stability and financial soundness of trans- 
action, which reflects honor upon the community and 
the valuable and efficient services of its founders and per- 
petuators. From first to last, many of Middletowu's most 
successful and best known business men and manufactu- 
rers have been identified with this bank, and it is natural 
that an institution should prosper when conducted by 
those having an extended and thorough knowledge of the 
condition of affairs in the financial, industrial and com- 
mercial worlds, and being thoroughly identified with the 
advancement of the best interests of the section in which 
it is located. The president, Jlr. JI. B. Copeland, the 
vice-president, Mr. E. K. Hubbard, and the cashier, Mr. 
Wm. H. Burrows, certainly need no introduction lo our 
reader)', and as they are associated on the board of direc 
tors with men ecpially prominent in the development of 
this section, it is not to be wondered at that the bank is 
everywhere looked ujion as the representative financial 
institution of Miildletown. A hint as to its financial con- 
dition is afforded by the fact that the surplus amounts to 
nearly one-half the capital stock, the latter being ^:}U9.:!00, 
while the surplus is $180,000. A general banking business 
is done and every facility is at hand to enable operations 
to be carried on lo the best possible advantage, while the 
accounts ot corporations, business firms, institutions and 



individuals will be received on the most favorable terms, 
the management being liberal as well as wisely conserva- 
tive. 

Blake & Barton, Clothiers and Gents' Furnishers, 194 
Main Street, Midilletown, Conn — Much of the prejudice 
that formerly existed regarding the wearing of ready made 
clothing has now passed away, and indeed there is na 
longer reason for its continuance, as ready made garments 
are now produce J that are practically equal to the best 
custom clothing, and that are far superior lolhe " thrown- 
together" productions of cheap tailors with whicli the 
market is fiooded. Of course ready-made clothing is sold 
to day that ileserves all the ridicule that used to be cast at 
" slop shop " garments in general, but there is no necessity 
for an}- one being imposed upon through ignorance, for 
everybody has had an opportunity to inspect high grad& 
ready made garments and hence should know what can b& 
done in this line. The firm of Blake & Barton doing busi- 
ness at No, 194 Main street, has done good work in the 
past in educating the public up to a point where imly the 
best of garments will prove acceptable, for it has never 
been satisfied to accept a second position, but has from the 
first maintained its place as a leader in the production of 
well-fitting, well made and fashionably cut clothing. 
Such has been the policy ol Messrs. Blake & Barton since 
they founded their present establishment in 1887, and the 
result is to be seen to day by the fact that their business 
has increa.sed so rapidly that they have been ci>mpelled to 
move into much handsomer and more commodious quar- 
ters, and also in the high standing the firm have for 
probily, fair dealing and enterprise, in the best and truest 
dense of that much abused term. The enterprise of this 
firm does not consist of sharp dealing, and is not exempli- 
fied by its success in palming off damage d or superannu- 
ated goods on its customers by one pretence or the other, 
but is shown in the low prices quoted on standard and 
fashionable clothing and gents' furnishings. Jlr. W. C. 
Blake and Jlr. H. L Barton are both natives of Massachu- 
setts, and are well known in Middletown as business men 
of establishid reputation. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



21 




F. A. Guild, 

Furniture Dealer 
and Undertaker. 
Agent for the 
" Wliite Sewing 
Machine " Ware- 
rooms, 78 Jtain 
Street, Middle- 
town, Conn. — Of 
the lea<ling mer- 
chants on the 
JIain street of 
Jliddletown none 
gain more promi- 
nence than the 
furniture ware- 
_ rooms of F. A. 

~ " (t u i 1 d , d o w n 

town. About three and one-half .years ago Mr. Guild opened 
this place with an entirely new and choice stock, showing 
remarkable taste in selecting the best and prettiest patterns 
that the market afforded and selling them at astonishingly 
low prices so that now he commands the largest trade in 
this city, doing last year more Itusiness than all the other 
furniture deale'rs in this city combined. Mr. Guild has been 
compelled to enlarge his warerooms lour times until now 
he occupies four large floors, 2o X V)Q feet, and also the 
large basement at 84 3Iain street. 50 X 123 feet in dimen- 
sions, which he utilizes as upholstery and storage room 
for his surplus stock. Here you can find the White Sew- 
ing Machine, so well known for its light running and 
superiority over all other machines, which took the gold 
medal at "the Paris Exposition us the best family .sewing 
machine in the world, and here purchasers can look over 
and select with ease and convenience the furniture simple 
•or elegant, plain and solid, or light and elaborately 
ornamented, which best suits their taste and the contents 
of their pocket books. Such an (stablishment as this is of 
great benefit to a town and thoroughly deserves the great 
and increasing patronage bestowed \ipon it. Mr. Guild 
also has a large upholstering and repairing <lepartnient in 
his establishment, and is well known also as a funeral 
undertaker, because of his conscientious and faithful ser- 
vices and the abundant facilities ever at his command. 

J. D. Sibley, Architect, 20 Church Street, Middletown, 
Conn. — The duties of an architect are varied and responsi- 
ble, but the}' may be summed up in a very few words — 
the attainment of the best possible results under existing 
circumstances. Truly "circumstances alter cases." and 
in no profession are they to be more carefully considered 
than in that of architecture. The nature of the site, the 
comparative firmness and other characteristics of the soil, 
the appearance of surrounding buildings, the purposes for 
which the proposed structure is to be used, the amount of 
money which is to be put into it, — these and numerous 
other important points have to be considered by the suc- 
cessful architect, and the advantages gained by employing 
the services of such a man should most certainly be evident 
to every intelligent person. The ma.gnitude of building 
operations in Middletown and vicinity makes this section 
a very promising field for a thoroughly competent archi- 
tect, and Mr. .1. D Siblej', who has carried on operations 
here since 1875 finds a constant and increasing demand for 
his services. Ele is a native of New York State, and is 
extremely well known in this city, and was a member of 
the City Council in 1S84-5. Mr. Sibley utilizes spacious 
office rooms at No. 26 Church street, and has two assist- 
ants to aid in the drawing up of plans, specifications, etc , 
8o that such work can be done without undue delay. All 
business is assured immediate and painstaking attention, 
and those contemplating building would do well to give 
Mr. Sibley a call. He designed some of the most promi- 
nent buildings in this vicinity, and gives ecpially careful 
attention to the designing of public or business buildings 
and private residences, his charges being moderate in every 
instance. The residences of Henry E Bu lard and \V. W. 
Wilcox, Jr., are notable instances of Mr. Sibley's work. 



W. H. Chapman & Co , Saddlery Hardware, Sleigh 
Bells, Brass and Composition Castings, Middletown, Conn. 
— The manufacture of saddlery hardware is a great and 
growing industry and already has a heavy amount of cap- 
ital invested in it, while it engages the attention of some 
of the most energetic and progressive business men of the 
country. ]Middletown is well represented in this as in 
many another field of effort ; the establishment conducted 
by Messrs. W. H. Chapman & Co. being among the most 
extensive and luost perfectly equipped of the kind in 
New England. The works cover an area of nearly two 
acres and include a very large three story building, 
besides various others of less importance. A very com- 
plete plant of machiner}' is operated, Ueing furnish, il by a 
forty-horse engine. The firm began operations in 1876, 
the original partners being Messrs. W. H. and E. A. 
Chapman. Mr. E. Henry Barnes became associated with 
the concern in 1879, and in 188ti Mr. E. A. Chapman 
retired and Mr. George D. Chapman was admitted to part- 
nership. All the gentlemen mentioned were born in this 
city, with the exception of Mr. Barnes, he being a native 
of New Haven. The members of the firm give close per- 
sonal attention to the supervision of affairs, and the nat- 
ural consc(iuence is that orders are filled with a prompt- 
ness and accuracy that have done much to commend the 
concern to the trade. Saddlerj' hardware, sleigh bells, 
brass and composition castings are verj' extensively man- 
ufactured, employment being given to seventy-five hands. 
The productions of this establishment are accepted as the 
standard wherever known, and as the firm are in a position 
to quote the lowest market rates it is hardl}' necessary to 
add that their business, large as it is, is steadil}' and 
rapidly increasing. 

Goodyear Rubber Co., Jliddlctown. — The manufacture 
of rubber goods has become one of the great industries of 
the country, and its future development gives promise of 
being practically unlimited, for new and useful applica- 
tions of rul)ber are constantly being discovered, manj' of the 
articles made from this material are of such great utility 
as to be practically indispensable. At the head of the list 
must be placed rubljer boots and shoes, for these are worn 
by everj'body and millions of capital and thousands of 
people are engaged in their production. There is no 
article in the purchase of which the consumer is more 
absolutely dependent upon the reputation of the manufac- 
turer to assure him that he is getting a fair equivalent for 
his money, for to the inexpert observer there is nothing to 
distinguish the good from the bad, and yet we all know 
from experience that some rubber boots and shoes will 
stand long and hard usage before wearing out, while 
others will crack and leak in a very short time. The only 
safe conr.se to take then, is to ascertain what manufactu- 
rers make uniformly reliable goods and to insist upon hav- 
ing those and no others, and we may save our readers 
costly experimenting liy recommending to them the boots 
and shoes, gold seal brand, made by the Goodyear Rubl)er 
Co. of Middletown, Conn. This company began opera- 
tions here some eight years ago, and their goods have 
given such excellent satisfaction as to have built up an 
extensive and steadily increasing demand for them, the 
many orders received now requiring the employment of 
150 hands and the utilization of a very complete and 
elaborate plant of machinery including an engine of 
150 horse power. The premises made use of are 200x240 
feet in dimensions, and are very conveniently arranged, 
the various processes incidental to production being car- 
ried on under the most favorable circumstances and every 
means being taken to reduce the cost of manufacture to 
the lowest figure cimsistent with the use of first class 
material and the maintenance of the enviable reputation 
now enjoyed by- the product. Every hone-t dealer and 
every experienced consumer agree that "the best is tlie 
cheapest" where rubber goods are concerned, and those 
who make it a i)oint to see that the trade mark of the 
"Goodyear Rubber Co." is stamped upon their purchases 
will find that they save both money and trouble by doing 
so. 



22 



LBADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



The Russell Manufacturing Company, incorporated 
18;!4. H. G. Hubbard, President ; E. K. Hubbard, Vice- 
president : E. H. Burr, Treasurer ; U. JIatliewson, Secre- 
tary ; K. L. Bailey, Agent, Middletown. Conn. — In com- 
piling tliis necessarily brief account of tlie origin and 
development of the vast undertaking carried on by the 
Russell Manufacturing Company, we find ourselves in 
much the same dilemma as we would be were we required 
to pour a gallon into a halfpint measure, — our intentions 
are excellent but our performance can hardly be a brilliant 
success — and yet as a review of Jliddletown's industrial 
enterprises containing no mention of this, the greatest of 
all, would be absolutely incomplete, we may be excused 
for making the trial. The Hussell Manufacturing Com- 
pany was incori)orated in 1834 with a capital stock of 
$40,000, of which Jlessrs. Samuel Russell and Samuel D. 
Ilubbard owned nine-tenths. A three-story building, 
30 X 80 feet in size was utilized, and the productions were 
confined to non elastic web and suspenders. The prede- 
cessors of the company bad failed and it looked for a, time 
as if the disaster was to be repealed, for the compan)' soon 
found themselves involved to the extent of $20,000 beyond 
their assets and the prospects were as dismal as tliey well 
could be. At this critical juncture, the Honorable Henry 
G. Hubbard (who had then barely attained his majority), 
was asked to take charge of affairs. He did so ; bent all 
his energies to the task of familiarizing himself with the 
details of the business, and in 1841 brought out a power 
loom on which elastic web could be woven, — the first suc- 
cessful machine of the kind to be made, nor did he stop 
here. One improvement after the other was made, old 
methods were displaced by new and more efficient ones, 
no process of manufacture no matter how apparently triv- 
ial was allowed to escape notice, and the natural conse- 
quence was a steady gain in economy and accuracy of pro- 
duction which placed the company in a position to 
successfully meet all competition. Mr. Hubbard pro- 
ceeded on the principle that to get business you must 
produce either better or cheaper goods tlian your compet- 
itors, and he succeeded in producing both. "New produc- 
tions were added from time to time, and to day the com- 
pany manufactures a greater variety than any other similar 
concern in the world, among the leading productions 
being elastic web and suspenders, cotton and linen boot, 
gaiter and stay webs, cotton and worsted blanket bindings, 
halters and surcingles, patent cotton belting for machinery, 
patent hose goods for steam fire-engines, together with 
seamless linen and cotton hose, patent cotton and hemp 
banding for nuile harness, cotton j-arn and thread, and 
linen hose for manufacturer's use. The manufacture of 
silk ribbons is a recent innovation and judging from the 
results thus far attained the venture is to prove a grand 
and permanent success. More than .'iOOO dozen suspenders 
are produced weekly, and of these and kindred goods over 
.f;l ,000,000 worth is disposed of annually : the sales in the 
other departments exceeding $100,000. To turn out this 
immense product the services of more than 1000 assistants 
are required, togi^her with llie best equipped and most 
complete factories of the kind in the wcnld, tliere being 
seven large mills operated, four of wliich are at South 
Farms one at Higganum, one at Hockfall and one at Stad- 
die Hill. There are 20.000 spindles and 4.')0 looms in con 
stant use, tlie latter fioating no less than .")000 shuttles. 
The spinning mills consyme .")000 bales of cotton annually 
and turn otit one and one half million pounds of double 
and twisted yarn. Included in the plant are nine steam 
engines, seven water wheels, sixteen boilers, 100 cards and 
100 sewing machines. Some of the belting is twenty 
incites wide and eight ply, giving it a thickness of half an 
inch. These figures convey some faint idea of the vastness 
of the business, but they fail utterly to give an adequate 
conception of the company's resources for these must truly 
be seen to be appreciated. They owe much of their efti- 
ciency to the fact that every department of the business is 
thoroughly systematized, one working in harmony with 
another, and all being conducted to the best advantage 
under the control of the nnin who made them what they 



are today— the Hon. Henry G. Hubbard. He has been; 
the guiding spirit of the enterprise for more than half a 
century and during this time the capital lias increased 
from $40,000 to $600,000, all of which great increase has 
come out of the profits of the business. Mr. Hubbard is a. 
native of Middletown and has done much to advance her 
interests quite aside from the great influence his business 
enterprises have exerted in that direction. His career 
affords a shining example of wliat one man can do to ben- 
efit an entire community, and although but few may have 
his ability and opportunities, it should be remembered 
that bis ability is largely tlie product of close observation 
and strict attention to the business in hand, and that his 
opportunities have been made and not waited for. for Mr. 
Hubbard has never follow-ed the easy practice of "waiting 
for something to turn up," but has bent his energies to the 
task of utilizing existing conditions to the best possible- 
advantage. Originally owning but a few shares of the 
compan3''s stock, be has increased his interest until now 
he holds so large a proportion of it as to be practically the 
company itsell. He fills the position of president, and 
has associated with bim Jlr. E. K. Hubbard, as vice-presi- 
dent, Mr. E. II. Burr, as treasurer, Mr. Rufus Mathewson, 
as secretary and Sir. E. L. Bailey, as agent. The com- 
pany have a store and oflice at Nos. 74 and 76 Worths 
street. New York, and distribute their productions, 
throughout every portion of the Union. 

The Rogers & Hubbard Company, Middletown, Conn. — 
Few have any ideaof the great and varied utility of bone ,for 
the average man looks upon this as a sort of waste product 
of little commercial value, but as a matter of fact bone is. 
used in the manufacture of so many articles nowadays that 
were the supply suddenly cut off, great inconvenience 
■would be the inevitable consequence, to speak in the very" 
mildest terms. Middletown people naturally are better 
informed on this subject than the majority ol their fellow 
men for in this town is located one of the most successful 
bone works in the United States, under the name of the- 
Rogers & Hubbard (!o. , which began business in 1878- 
The original stock-holders were Maria E Hubbard. W. F. 
Burrows, John Rogers, and Gaston T. Hubbard, but Mr. 
Rogers has disposed of his interest and F. Perrj' Hubbard, 
Q. Tracy Hubbard and Ada H. Lindsay have become 
stockholders. All are natives of this town with the- 
exception of Gaston T. Hubbard, and W. F, Burrows, the 
former having been born in North Carolina and the latter 
in Pennsylvania. The company's works cover about an 
acre of ground and are equipped with an elaborate plant 
of the most improved machinery, both water and steam 
being used as motive power. Some idea of the magnitude 
of the business may be gained from the fact that the bones- 
of more than one million bead of cattle are consumed 
annually, they being made into knife handles, buttons,. 
druggists' goods and other articles, while the waste bone 
from the sawing department is utilized in the manufacture 
of fine fertilizers in which the conipanj' deals very exten- 
sively. The best case-hardening material in the market is- 
also supjilied by this company, and the enormous trade 
built up is the direct consequence of utilizing to the fullest 
extent what would otherwise be waste material. — the 
result of eour.sc being that the cost of production is 
reduced to a minimum and the company is consequently 
enabled to give the ver}' lowest market rates The fertil- 
izers manufactured and sold by this concern are offered at 
much lower prices than would be possible were the com- 
pany obliged to buy the bone, etc., used in their composi- 
tion, and that the prices quoted on them are intelligently- 
and not arbitrarily fixed is conclusively shown liy the 
following guarantee, which it will be observed goes to the- 
heart of the matter and disposes of certain oft quoted the- 
oretical objeclions regarding official valuations in a most 
summary manner : 

Our nuAR.\NTEE. — Anj- person buying our fertilizers,, 
and upiui having them analyzed, does not find the valua- 
tion equal to the price charged by us on board cars or boat,, 
at Middletown, will upon sending us the analysis papers,. 



LEADi:SO BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOMN. 



23 



of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station with 
evidence to prove th;it samples were taken from full 
unbroken packages, receive from us a check for tlie 
amount of the difference. 

THE UOGEKS & HUBBARD CO. 
The following is a list of the company's fertilizers ; 
Pure ground raw knuckle bone flour, in bags of KiT 
pounds ; strictly pure fine bone, in bags of HIT i>ounds ; 
pure ground A X bone, in bags of 167 pounds ; Tlie 
Roger's iV- Hubbard Co.'s Complete Potato and Tobacco 
JlaTuire, in bags of 200 pounds. Last year wc placed tliis 
fertilizer on the market for the first time as a potato and 
tobacco manure of the highest order, free from chlorine 
and all other injurious or worthless elements. The expe- 
rience of hundreds of practical farmers, has more than 
fulfilled our claims, and placed it at the head of all fertil- 
izers for potatoes, tobacco and root crops. Faircliild's 
formula, for corn and general crops, in bags of 200 
pounds. Another year's experience strengthens the confi- 
dence of the farmers in this fertilizer especially adapted to 
corn (all varieties), onions, cabbage, cauliflower, melons, 
tomatoes, beans, turnips, celery, top dressing, and all gen- 
eral farm and garden crops. Fairchild's Formula for Oats, 
put up to order only. Oats can be raised at a profit with- 
out exhausting the land. Fairchild's Formula for Seeding 
Down, in bags of 200 pounds. A powerful, lasting fertil- 
izer, made of raw knuckle bone and high grade muriate of 
potash, especially adapted to seeding down, with or with- 
out grain. It is unequalled for all varieties of wheat and 
rye, for restoring exhausted lands, for promoting the 
growth of apple, pear, peach, or ornamental trees, grape 
and berry vines. Stassfurt Muriate of Potash, 80 to 83^, 
in bags of about 225 pounds. Be sure your bags of muri- 
ate of potash are sealed with the lead tag of the syndicate. 
All muriate of potash in unsealed bags is of a low, infe- 
rior grade. Nitrate of soda, 97 to 99?;, in bags of about 
300 pounds ; sulphate of potash, 90 to 98^^, in bags of 
about 22.5 pounds ; pure raw knuckle bone, " cattle flour," 
a clean sweet, white bone, resembling wheat flour in fine- 
ness and color. It is odorless and slock take it readily. 
No one can afford to winter their stock without it, as it 
promotes the general health of the herd especially tliat of 
the cows with calf. Cracked raw bone jioultry feed, in 
any quantity desired. The great invigorating, health giv- 
ing, egg-producing element in patent poultry food is the 
phosphate of lime derived from the bone used in its manu- 
facture. Buy the pure article, 54;; bone phosphate of 
lime. All orders will be promptly filled, and no pains 
spared to maintain the enviable reputation of the product 
in every respect. 

Mrs. 'M. A. Smith, dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, 
Boots, Shoes, Tinware, etc.. South Farms, Middletown, 
Conn. — The establishment of Mrs. M. A. Smith is a very 
extensive one of its kind, and the kind comprises such a 
vast stock of goods, articles of so varied a nature, that it is 
impossible to enumerate them in such limited space, and 
consequently difllcult to do them justice. Sirs. Smith is a 
native of Middletown. The present house was established 
at South Farms, a suburb of Middletown, in 1870, and has 
as manager Mr. Joseph B. Phelps, who proves himself 
most efficient in this capacity. The inhabitants of South 
Farms and vicinity find it quite unnecessary to go to Mid- 
dletown either for their large or small wants, though now 
that the horse cars, which connect the two places, run so 
conveniently, it is a comparatively short trip. Yet how 
troublesome even this is, when you can go into a store 
near by, and there find almost every necessity, food, cloth- 
ing, hou.sehold utensils, etc., etc. The business is retail 
solely, and occupies two floors of a building whose dimen- 
sions are 30 x 70 feet. This contains oidy a small jiart of 
the stock, and in addition Mrs. Smitli is obliged to have 
three store-houses which are overflowing with all sorts of 
commodities. Five employees are kept busy attending to 
the brisk trade done in groceries, provisions, dry goods, 
boots, shoes, tinware, and the thotisand and one things 
that are always needed in a household. 



O. E. Jackson & Co., Bankers, MiddUtown, Conn. — 
Among those .Midiileiown liaiiUing establishments in which 
the greatest confidence is reposeil l>y the business public, 
prorninent mention should in justice be made of the house 
of C. E. Jackson & Co.. for since the inception of this 
enterprise its management has been of a character that 
very highly commends the luulerlaking to all appreciative 
of progressive and honorable methods and carefvd devotion 
to the interests of patrons. Tlie firm is constituted of Jlr. 
C E. Jacksim and Dr. J. W. Alsop, the latter gentleman 
being a special partner Mr. Jackson is a native of Jlid- 
dletown and for more than twenty years has been treasurer 
of the Berkeley Divinity School. Since 1883 he has also 
filled the oftice of treasurer of tlie Russell Library. He 
was the first secretary of the Middlesex Banking Co. and 
is now its vice-president. Dr. Alsop has served two terms 
as State Senator, and both gentlemen are very widely and 
favorably known in financial and social circles. The firm 
do a general banking business, taking deposits and buying 
and selling foreign exchange. They are one of the largest, 
if not the largest, dealers in high grade bonds in Connecti- 
cut, taking in the past ten years nearly all the large rail- 
road and municipal loans issued in this State, and as a 
matter of fact this house placed the first tour per cent, rail- 
road bond ever sold at par in the United Slates. The 
volume of business transacted requires the employment of 
five experienced assistants and the occupation of two spa- 
cious and well equipped apartments. With such facilities 
and so large a business experience it is no wonder that 
those wishing to increase their income, change the char- 
acter of theif investments, or dispose of property which it 
is necessary to turn into cash, will here find every facility 
to do so with expedition ami security. Such an establish- 
ment as this is a decided public benefit, and fully deserves 
the cordial and continuous support of the business commu- 
nity. 

Arrowwanna Mills, I. E. Palmer, manufacturer of 
Cotton Tissues, Hammocks, Canopies and Canopy Fixt- 
ures ; Crinoline Linings, Mosquito Netting, Window 
Screen Cloth, School Bags, Self adjusting Pulleys, etc., 
etc. Sheer and Swiss Finishing a specialty. Middletown, 
Conn. — Among the many large manufacturing establish- 
ments in Middletown and vicinity there is not one more 
truly representative in its special line, or more interesting 
to visit, than that conducted by Mr. 1. E. Palmer, and 
known as the Arrowwanna Mills. These mills are advan- 
tageously located on Little River, and contain a very 
extensive and complete plant of improved machinery 
which is driven by water and a compound, condensing, 
steam-engine. Mr. Palmer is a native of Connecticut and 
has been identified with his present enterprise for many 
years, having begun operations in 1859. In 1868 the firm 
of Palmer & Kendall assumed possession, and after one 
other change the present proprietor resumed sole control 
in 1881. He is a very extensive manufacturer of cotton 
tissue, and makes a leading specialty of sheer and Swiss 
finishing. Among his most prominent productions may 
be mentioned hammocks, and in this specially there is no 
other make that approaches " Palmer's Patent Hammock " 
in any particular, such as comfort, elegance or conven- 
ience. Crinoline linings, mosquito netting, window screen 
cloth and scliool bags are also largely manufactured, 
together with canopies and canopy fixtures, self adjusting 
pulleys, etc. All of these goods are favorably known to 
jobbers and the trade in general tbroU*hout the country. 
Mr. Palmer is in a position to fill the heaviest orders at 
comparatively short notice and to quote the lowest market 
rates on his various jiroduclions for his facilities are unsur- 
passed, and his long exiierience aids him materially in 
meeting all honorable competition. The Arrowwanna 
Mills comprise five buildings, from two to four stories in 
height, and/convenicntly arranged as well as very thor- 
oughly equipped. Employment is given to 100 operatives, 
and the careful supervision t;iven every department of the 
business has its inevitable effect in the uniform superiority 
of the product. 



24: 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



W. & B. Douglas, manufacturer of Pumps, Hydraulic 
Rams, Garden and Fire Eniiines, Pump Chain and Fix- 
tures, Well Curbs, Hydrants, etc., Jliddletown, Conn. 
(Branch Warehouses, 80 and ST John Street. New York; 
and 197 Lake Street. Chicago. HI.)— Middletown has her 
full share of those great manufacturing establishments 
which have made Connecticut famous throughout the 
civilized world, but it is safe to say that not one of them 
has done more to bring this about ihan that conducted by 
the tirm whose card wc print above. These works were 
founded by Jlessrs. William and Benjamin Douglas in 
183'2, and the present firm are not only ihe oldest but the 
most extensive manufacturers of pumps in the world, 
some idea of the magnitude of their business being 
afforded by the fact that their unabridged catalogue con- 
tains more than 1500 varieties and sixes of hydraulic 
machines, while the concern has a capital of $700,000, and 
utilizes a plant covering six acres and including three 
steam engines of ITohorse power, and the immense busi- 
ness is so thoroughly organized and so systematicallj' con- 
ducted that every process is carried under skillful and 
careful supervision, and the consequence is that no imper- 
fect work is allowed to leave the factory, so that dealers 
and users of pumps have learned to put entire confidence 
in every production of this famous firm They have been 
awarded the highest medal at many competitions, promi- 
nent among them being those held at the Universal Expo- 
sitions, Paris, France, in 1863, 1878 and 1889 ; Vienna, 
Auslria, in 1873 ; Philadelphia, 1876 : and Melbourne. 
Australia, 1881. The firm have modified and improved 
their styles Irom time to time, and having unequalled 
facilities, experience and capital, it is not surprising that 
the}' should have attained results which place the Douglas 
pump beyond successful rivalry, it being conceded to have 
no equal for house, farm or factory use, either for hand or 
winilmill power ; hydraulic rams, garden and fire engines, 
pump chain and fixtures, well curbs, hydrants, etc., are 
all manufactured very extcnsivel}', and we need hardly 
say that Messrs. W. & B. Douglas are in a position to 
quote the lowest market rates on goods of uniformly supe- 
rior quality and to fill the very heaviest orders at short 
notice. The firm maintain branch warehouses at Nos. 
85 and 87 John street. New York, and No. 197 Lake street, 
Chicago, and their productions are not only shipped to 
every section of tliis country but a large foreign trade is 
also supplied. Mr. Benjamin Douglas, the president of 
the concern, has served several terms as Mayor of Middle- 
town, and lias also held the position of lieutenant gov- 
ernor. Mr. Benjamin Douglas. Jr., acts as paymaster, and 
Mr. J. JI. Douglas as secretarj' and treasurer, while the 
responsible positions of mechanical superintendent and 
H'sistant secretary were ably filled by Ihe late Kdward 
Douglas, whose lamented death occurred in France, May 
23, 1889. From first to last this enterprise has been of 
great direct benefit to ^liddlctown, for it affords employ- 
ment to many men and tlius distributes large aniounls of 
money, but its indirect benefit has been and is at least 
equally imporlant, for this undertaking has mide the city 
widely and favorably known and caused it to he respected 
by all who appreciate energetic and strictly honorable 
business methods. 

Spain, O'Keefe & Co.. Furniture Dealers and Under- 
takers. Warerooms 330 Jlain Street. Middletown, Conn. 
— H is a task of no small difficulty to select furniture, for 
there are so many styles to choose from and so many 
things to be considered before making a purchase that it is 
no wonder it is so hard for the average person to ' ' make 
up his mind" as to just what he prefers. Of course if 
money is no object the matter is materially simplified, 
but unfortunately there are very few of us in that enviable 
position, and therefore the question of price is about the 
first one to be considered. Undoubiedly the most satis- 
factory mode of procedure is to visit an honorable dealer 
who has the reputation of quoting bottom figures, tell him 
what you want, how much you propose to spend, and thus 
give him an opportnnit}' to judge intelligently as to what 
is best suited to your tastes and means. In our opinion 



no more satisfactory establishment can be visited than that 
conducted by Messrs. Spain, O'Keefe & Co., at No. 230 
Main street, for a very desirable stock is there carried and 
a full dollar's worth of value is returned for every dollar 
paid out. This firm have had a wide experience in their 
present line of business and have built up a large trade by 
uniformly looking out for the interests of their patrons, 
considering them identical with their own and keeping 
good faith with every customer. Besides handling furni- 
ture, at the lowest market rates, a nnst important depart- 
ment of their business is that devoted to undertaking, a 
full assortment of caskets, coffins and other funeral goods 
being constantly on hand, and orders for undertaking in 
all its branches being assured immediate and painstaking 
attention, wliile the service rendered is of a character that 
cannot fail to give entire satisfaction to the most critical. 

Henry Woodward, dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Chem- 
icals, Paints, Oils, Acids and Dj'e Stuffs, 124 JIain Street, 
Middletown, Conn. — This house is one of the largest as 
well as one of the oldest in this line in Sliddletown, as 
business was first commenced here in 1845 by 3Ir. George 
D. Howes, who was succeeded by Hubbard & Howes, 
which firm was followed by Mr. Charles K. Woodward, 
and in 1801 the business passed into the management 
of Mr. Henry Woodward of Middletown. Years of 
experience and good management have resulted in 
making Ihe trade of this house the extensive and 
lucrative one which it is, and this has been done not 
alone by energy and push, but also by a jealous and 
scrupulous adherence to the standard of perfect hon- 
esty which has been maintained from the outset. Drugs, 
medicines, chemicals, paints, oils, acids and dye stuffs 
are the articles handled The extensive wholesale and 
retail business of this house require the assistance of 
numerous clerks. The premises are located at No. 124 
Main street and comprise four floors, 88x20 feet each in 
dimensions, with one floor in storehouse 80x40 feet in 
dimensions. The stock of medicines will be found of the 
best quality and all the materials offered are of the first 
class and warranted to give satisfaction in every respect. 
Mr. Henry Woodward has held several official positions, 
which he has honorably filled, having been alderman, 
chairman of Ihe State Fish Commission, and trustee of 
Connecticut Hospital for the Insane. The retail depart- 
ment of this establishment will be found complete in every 
respect and full of everything required to constitute a first- 
class drug store. 

Samuel T. Camp, dealer in Choice Family Groceries, 
Provisions. Flour. Meal. Wood and Willow Ware, etc.. 
No. 138 JIain Street, Middletown, Conn —This house was 
established in 1858 under the name of Chaffee & Camp, 
but in 1867 Mr. Camp became sole proprietor of the busi- 
ness. Tiiirty-two years is quite a long period of time, and 
when a business enterprise has been conducted for such 
an extended term, and then stands higher than ever before 
in the estimation of its patrons, it is only fair to presume 
that it is due to genuine merit and reliabity. Such is the 
record of which Jlr. Camp's business can boast. The 
reason of this is to b-; found principally in the close and 
persistent personal attention which Mr. Camp ha» given to 
the undertaking, for there is a world of truth in the old 
saying " if you want a thing well done do it yourself." 
Mr. Camp is a native of Jliddletown and has been a 
member of the common council. The premises utilized 
are of the dimensions of 24x65 feet and comprise two 
floors well stocked with a finely selected assortment of 
groceries and provisions of all kinds. It is his aim to be 
able to meet any legitimate demand which may be made 
on a first-class establishment, and to attain this end he 
keeps his stock full in every department, and strives to 
suiiply goods at low market rates. Employment is given 
to six competent assistants to enable him to fill all orders 
promptly. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



25 



L. D. Brown & Son, manufacturers of Machine Twist 
and Sewing Silk. (Salesrooms, 486 Broadway, New York, 
■29 Lincoln Street, Boston, 1113 Market Street, Phila- 
delphia.) Main Street, South Farms, Middletown, Conn.— 
The extensive establishment carried on under the firm- 
name of L. D. Brown & Son on Main street. South Farms, 
Middletown, has been in operation since 1872, but the bus- 
iness of which it is a part is of much earlier origin, having 
been founded fortj' years ago by Mr. L. D. Brown, in 
Mansfield, Conn. This gentleman carried on operations 
alone from 1830 to 18(33, when he took Mr. 11. L. Brown 
into partnership under the firm-name of L. D. Brown & 
Son, which is still retained, although Jlr. H. L. Brown is 
now sole proprietor, having purchased his father's interest 
at the time of his death, in 1S'>3. The founder of the 
enterprise was born m Coventry, Conn,, and at one time 
was connected with the Mansfield board of selectmen. 
He was prominent in manufacturing circles and did much 
to improve the quality of American sewing silks. The 
present proprietoi is a native of Mansfield, Conn,, and has 
been connected with the Middletown municipal govern- 
ment for three years. The steadily increasing demand 
for the firm's productions shows that the high reputation 
of them has not suffered under the present management, 
and indeed it is an open secret that Mr. Brown spares no 
pains nor expense to keep the nuality fully up to the high- 
est standard, while at the saxue time quoting the lowest 
market rates on first class goods. The premises utilized 
for manufacturing purposes comprise a m'^in building, 
three stories in height and 4.")X100 feet in dimensions, a 
dye house 30x60 feet in size, and a boiler room measuring 
20x30 feet. The factory is equipped throughout with the 
latest improved machinery for the manufacture of machine 
twist, sewing silk, tram floss, tram, and all kinds of 
twisted silk. Employment is given to 150 experienced 
assistants, and all the many processes incidental to pro- 
duction are carried on under close and responsible super- 
vision, the result being exceptional uniformity in the 
finished goods. The main characteristics of a first-class 
machine twist or sewing silk are smoothness, evenness of 
twist and coloring, and strength, and it is conceded that 
no goods in the market surpass the productions of Messrs. 
L. I). Brown & Son in any of these respects. Salesrooms 
are maintained at No. 480 Broadway, New York, No. 2!) 
Lincoln street, Boston, and No. 1113 Market street. Phila- 
delphia, a full assortment being carried at each of these 
points and manufacturers, jobbers and retailers being sup- 
plied in quantities to suit at the lowest market rates. 

The Middlesex Banking Co. of Middletown, Conn. 
(Capital Stock, paid up, .^iUOO.OOO.) — In LippincoU's Maya- 
zinc for March, 18i)0, is an article on Western mortgages 
which is deserving of very careful reading and which is as 
timely as it is instructive, for lliere is a very active 
demand at the present time for safe and profitable invest- 
ments and the ideas contained in that article will enable 
any one of ordinary intelligence to discriminate properly 
between investment and speculation. After describing 
the dilference between wliat are technically called Western 
mortgages and those made on property in the P^astern and 
Middle States, the writer says, referring to the former : 
"The investor has only one duty to perform, withal a 
very important one, viz., to determine once for all whetlier 
the company he is dealing with, by virtue of the character 
and ability of its ofiicials, its established methods of busi- 
ness, the amount of its capital, and the availability of its 
as.sets, is able to give him a good and sufficient guarantee." 
The Middlesex Banking Company has from its organiza- 
tion in November, 1875, invited the most careful investiga- 
tion of its financial standing and inquirers have been 
afforded all proper opportunities to gain a clear and com- 
prehensive idea of just what the company's resources were 
and what might reasonably be expected of it in the future. 
As a consequence its business has steadilj' and rapidly 
developed, and now with a paid-up capital stock of $000,- 
000 it stands higher than ever in the confidence of the 
investing public. The company's business is confined to 



dealing in first mortgage loans, these being made in Min- 
nesota, North and South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, 
Texas and Colorado, through its general Western office at 
St. Paul, the managers of which are large stockholders in 
the company. These loans aie marketed in the form of 
real estate first mortgage trustee debentures, bearing six 
per cent semi annual interest, in denominations of |100, 
$200, $2oO, $500, .|;l,000 and ^0,000, due in seven, but 
redeemable after five years. The interest coupons are 
payable at the National Bank of the Republic, New York, 
the Broadway National Bank, Boston, the Girard Life 
Insurance, Annuity and Trust Co., Philadelphia, or at the 
banking house of the companj' in this city. As to the 
present standing of these debentures, after the company 
has been in business fifteen years, it is significant that in 
1889 the Connecticut legislature passed a special act 
enabling holders of trust funds to invest in the debentures 
of the Middlesex Banking Company. The Union Trust 
Company of New York and the Security Company of 
Hartford are trustees for the Middlesex Banking l_om- 
pany, and the high standing of the enterprise is made 
even more apparent by the character of the gentlemen 
directly identified with it, as will be seen by a peru-al of 
the following list : Robert N. Jackson, president ; Merrick 
E. Vinton, first vice president ; Charles E. Jackson, second 
vice-president ; William F. Graves, treasurer ; D. T. 
Haines, secretary ; Edw'd Holland Nicoll, assistant treas- 
urer ; E. A. Gladwin, assistant secretary. Trustees : Hon. 
Benj. Douglas, president W. it B. Douglas, Middletown ; 
Thomas G. Carson, Boston ; Russel Frisbie, J. it E. 
Stevens Co., Cromwell, Conn. : John M. Douglas, presi- 
dent Farmers & M^chanics Savings Bank ; Robert N. 
Jackson, president ; Jlerrick E. Vinton, Graves & Vinton 
Company, Saint Paul, Jlinn.; Charles E. Jacksi>n, C. E. 
Jackson & Co., bankers, Middletown ; William F. Graves, 
Graves & Vinton Company, Saint Paul, Minn. ; Emory II. 
Nash, Pittsfleld, Mass.; Austin R. Mitchell, president 
West Newton Savings Bank, West Newton, JIass. (craves 
it Vinton Company, Saint Paul, Minn., general Western 
managers. 

E. H. Wells, Custom Tailor and Gents' Furnisher, No. 
126 Main Street. Middletown, Conn.— No doubt many of 
our readers, especially those residing in Middletown, have 
already heard favorable reports of the custom tailoring 
establi'shment conducted l)y Mr. E. H. Wells, for those who 
do business with a house that is able to give perfect satis- 
faction both as regards its goods and its prices are very 
apt to communicate their experience to their friends so 
that they may take advantage of the same. The estab- 
lishment in question was originally founded about 1858 by 
Messrs. Benham it Boardman, who were succeeded in 18136 
bv D. R. Benham, the present proprietor assuming control 
of affairs in 1884. Jlr. Wills is prepared to do fine tailor- 
ing of every description, but caters especially to the best 
class of trade, paying particular attention to the cutting 
and fitting of both old and young men's garments, and 
producing fashionable clothing for their wear that in 
every detail will bear the severest comparison with that 
turned out at much more pretentious establishments. Two 
floors 20 X 00 feet in dimensious are occupied, and an 
extensive and varied assortment of gents' furnishings are 
carried, also a complete line of foreign and domestic fab- 
rics are exhibited which will well repay careful insiiection. 
Those who desire to dress with iileasing individuality will 
do well to remember that Mr. Wells makes a specialty of 
supplying suitings, etc, that are uncommon in design 
without being unpleasantly conspicuous, and a sufficiently 
varied assortment of styles is shown to allow all peculiai-i- 
ties of size and form to be provided for. The establish- 
ment is supplied with every facility for doing fine custom 
work. Sixteen skilled assistants are employed, and otdy 
experienceil hands intrusted with the various details of 
making, etc., and under these circumstances Mr. Wells 
feels that lie can confidently guarantee satisfaction, and 
warrant perfect fitting and durable garments. 



26 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 










-■ii'; ''!",,! 




Wm. WilcoK Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of 
Wrousht Iron Plate and Padlocks, Wrought Iron French 
Kim Locks, and Wooden 1 lames, Middletown, Conn. — 
The business carried on by the William Wilcox manufact- 
uring Company was founded nearly half a century ago, 
and its present magnitude is the legitimate result of the 
the thoroughly consistent policy which has characterized 
its management from the very first, for this policy has had 
tlie effect of giving the company's productions a most 
enviable and uns\irpas3ed reputation for uniform merit. 
Operations were begun in 1845 and the existing company 
was incorporated thirty years later. Mr. William Wilcox, 
the president and treasurer, was born in Killingworth. 
Conn., and is one of the best-known manufacturers in 
Middletown, he having held various local offices and hav- 
ing done much to develop the resources of the city and 
vicinity. The secretary, Mr. Clarence E. Atkins, was 
born in this city and has a large circle of friends through- 
out this section. The company is very extensive!}' 
engaged in the manufacture of wrought iron plates and 
padlocks, wrought iron French rim locks, and wooden 
hames, and some idea of the magnitude of the business 
may be gained from the fact that the premises utilized 
cover an area of three acres. There are eight spacious 
buildings altogether, and with the exception of the foun- 
dries these each contain two floors. A very elaborate and 
complete plant of improved machinery is made use of, and 
about tifty-horse water power is available, besides two 
steam engines of fifteen and twenty liorse power respect- 
ively. Employment is given to ninety assistants, and the 
annual product is very large in amount and is readily dis- 
posed of, as the company's goods are shipped to all parts 
of the countrj' and are accepted as the standard by con- 
sumers everywhere. 

Levi S. Deming, dealer in Coal. Stone, Cement, and 
also Kindling Wood ; Office and Yard, foot of William 
Street, Middletown, Conn. — The business now conducted 
bv Mr. Levi S. Deming was founded many years ago by 
Mr. H. S. White, who was succeeded about 18fi0 by 
Messrs. White & Loveland, who gave place to Messrs. 
Loveland & Deming in 1871. In 1878 the firm-name 
became White & Deming, and in 1887 the present pro- 
prietor (who is a native of Newington, Conn.) assumed 



sole control. The premises utilized comprise about one- 
and one half acres and are located at the foot of William, 
street, there being a river-frontage of 90 feet, and excellent 
facilities for the reception and the delivery of the varioua 
commodities dealt in, these including coal, stone, cement 
and kindling wood. Both a wholesale and retail business^ 
is done, and the employment of ten assistants enables all 
orders to be filled at the shortest possible notice. Mr. 
Deming handles all the most popular varieties of coal 
and makes a specialty of supplying family trade, furnish- 
ing clean and free-burning coal in large or small quantitie» 
at positively bottom prices. Kindling wood is another 
leading specially at his establishment, and either hard or 
soft wood, sawed and split to suit, can be bought of him 
at remarkably low rates. He does a very extensive whole- 
sale business also, furnishing a large proportion of the 
stone and cement used in this vicinit}', and having the- 
reputation of offering exceptional inducements to pur- 
chasers and thoroughly carrying out every agreement 
entered into. 

Wm. Hall, dealer in cut ileats, Beef, Pork, Sausage,. 
Lard, Hams, Poultry, etc.. No. 42 East Court Street, 
Middletown, Conn. — One of the essentials to success in 
business in these days of close competition, is to thor- 
oughly understand your particular line of trade in every 
detail, and there can be no doubt but that much of the 
popularity enjoyed by Mr. Wm. Hall at No. 42 East 
(.'ourt street, is due to the exceptional inducements he is- 
enabled to offer, by reason of his perfect familiarity wilb 
the retail meat business, with which he has been identified 
for the past twenty-five years. He was born in Portland, 
Conn., and has carried on his present store since 1868. 
The premises are 18 X 00 feet in dimensions and are sup- 
plied with all necessary facilities for the storage and 
handling of a large stock of fresh and salt meats, includ- 
ing beef, mutton, pork, sausage, lard, hams, poultry, etc^ 
Employment is given to two competent and polite assist- 
ants, and callers may depend upon receiving immediate 
and careful attention. Mr. Hall deals in first quality 
meats, and those who have found ditTiculty in getting cut 
meats to suit them would do well to place a trial order 
here, for the goods are the best that the market affords and 
the prices are uniformly moderate. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



2T 



Middlesex County National Bank, Miildletown. Conn. 
— The Jliiidlesex County ^'ational Bank has long hecu 
recognized by well-infoinicd business men as an excep- 
tionally valuable institution throngli which lo conduct 
financial dealings, its record lieing suclt as to place it 
prominent among the most progressive and reliable l)anl<s 
in the State. It was incorporated nearly sixty years ago, 
in 1831, and since its inauguration lias continued uninter- 
ruptedly to transact its growing business, it standing to- 
day an example of all that is best in the national banking 
system. The gentlemen identified with its munagement 
are looked upon as leaders in the mercantile and banking 
worlds, and by virtue of their long experience and liigh 
reputation as business men add botli honor and inlhunce 
to the jirominent position occupied 1)\- this rcpresentntive 
bank. One of the most potent faclois in bringing about 
the present popularity and influence of the instilution is 
the policy of conducting it in the interests of no one clique 
or branch of industry or commerce, but rather in the inter- 
ests of all legitimate business enterprises. Its name, the 
"jMiddlesex County" National Bank, is not without 
peculiar significance for, as the business communitj' have 
long since discovered, the policy of the management is 
broad enough to take in other interests besides those of 
Middletown alone, and the ability shown in carrying out 
this policy inspires confidence among all conversant with 
what has been done in the past, and gives ground for 
bright expectations of what may rea.sonabl)' be anticipatc-d 
In the future. Mr. G. W. Burr, the president, is one of the 
best known business men in this section of the State, and 
the cashier. Jlr. Edwin F. Sheldon, is considered an 
authority on financial matters, and is especially popular 
among patrons of the bank from his willingness to accom- 
modate them in all proper ways, although no man is a 
firmer believer in carrying on business on business prin- 
ciples, and no bank ofticer is more vigilant and untiring in 
protecting the interests of the institution with which he is 
identified. The Middlesex County National Bank has a 
capital of !{;.3.50,000 and a surplus exceeding $6T,00U, being 
regarded by competent autlioiily as one of the most abso- 
lutely solvent financial institutions in New England. It is 
consequently a most valmUjle bank to form connections 
with, and the high esteem in which it is held by other 
banks in different sections of the Union facilitates its busi- 
ness considerably and enables it to offer most efficient sef- 
vice in the collection of drafts and other duties incidental 
to the carrying on of a general banking business. 



John Eincaid, manufacturer of and dealer in Harness, 
Blankets, Robes and Whips, Horse Furnishing Goods, 
etc., No. 102 Main Street, Jliddletown, Conn. — A harness, 
when on a horse, properly arranged, etc., is a very simple 
thing in appearance, and apparently is made up of but 
few parts, but the same harness when divided up into all 
the pieces that are combined in its construction, has a 
very different as])ect, and no one can examine it then 
without feeling that after all, harness-making is not the 
easy thing it may appear to be, considering the cost of the 
material, and the labor involved in making it np. A first- 
class harness is sold at a very leasonable figure, and 
although it is possible to find establishments where fancy 
figures are charged, still on the whole, most people would 
prefer to place their orders with such a hou.se as that of 
Sir. .John Kincaid, and thus assure themselves a superior 
article and uniforndy fair treatment. This gentleman has 
carried on his i)resent enterprise since 1885, and has gained 
a well-earned reputation for the manufacturing of fine 
harness and the maintenance of moderate rates. Mr. Kin- 
caid is a native of Hartford, Conn., and is well known 
throughout Middletown. The premises utilized measure 
15 X 85 feet, located at No. 102 Main street, and light and 
heavy harness of every description are manufactured. 
Hepairing and custom work of all kinds is neatly and 
promptly done. Mr. Kincaid also deals extensively in 
blankets, robes, whips, etc., and hor-se furnisliings in gen- 
eral are carried in stock and offered at very low |)rices. 



J. W. HUBBARD & CO., 



tlE.\l,EHS IN 



Lumber, Nails, Lath, Lime, Cement, 
Hair, etc. 

Mouldings, Wood Turning, 

Scroll Sawing and Stair Building. 



Haiioyer St, 



MIDDLETOWN, CONN. 



The firm of .1. W. Hubbard & Co. began business in 
1877. Since that time they have built up a large and 
increasing trade in lumber, nails, lath, lime, cement, 
hair, etc.. and utilize premises having an area of about 
two acres, located upon Hanover street. Mouldings and 
other house finishings are also largely handled, while 
wood turning, scroll-sawing and stair-building will be 
done quickly and at moderate rates. The members of the 
firm are ]\Iessrs. J. VV. and W. B. Hubbard, both of whom 
are natives of this city. 

O. S. Watrous, D. D. S., and Associate Dentists, 15!> 
Main Street, Middletown, Conn.— At 159 Main street, 
Middletown, ma}' be found the most complete dental office 
in Middlesex county, with all the most recent iiuprove- 
ments in dental appliances among which is a specially 
constructed furnace for baking porcelain, with which Dr. 
Watrous and his four associates are enabled to construct 
the teeth for special cases. They make a specialty also of 
artificial teeth without plates, for which they hold the 
exclusive license for this county. Difficult cases in all 
branches of the profession are solicited. Besides having a 
large practice in Middletown and vicinity, very many of 
Dr. Watrous' patients come from New York and other 
distant places, that they may be under his skillful care and 
it is almost always necessary to apply long in advance to^ 
secure a sitting, so completely is his time engaged. Facts 
speak for themselves, and those whose teeth have once 
beeu under Dr. Watrous' care are very rarely willing to go 
elsewhere. 

D. li. Weeks & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in 
Crockery, China, Glass and Earthen Ware, Lamps, Brack- 
ets, Chandeliers, Silver-Plated Ware, etc.. No. 210 Main 
Street, Middletown, Conn. — A very attractive establish- 
ment to housekeepers is the one kept by D. L. Weeks & 
Son at 210 Main street. Mr. H. E. Weeks, since the death 
of his father the sole projirietor, is a native of Greenpoint, 
L. I., coming to Middletown in 1865, he has for many 
years been identified with the business interests of Middle- 
town. He takes just pride in the welfare of the city and 
is at present a member of the town council. He does ai» 
extensive trade, both wholesale and retail, and occupies 
extensive premises at 210 Main street, which comprises 
two floors and cover an area of 25 X 75 feet. In addition 
to this building he has a large store-house of 40 X 150 feet 
dimensions. The stock comprises crockery of all grades, 
from the finest foreign and Americiin china to the ordinary 
eatlionware vessels, which are so useful and not by any 
means to be despised on account of their lack of beauty. 
Glass, which adds so much to the attractiveness of a table, 
is to be found here to suit all pur.ses — also a great variety 
of the famous Rochester lamps, brackets and other useful 
and necessary household articles. In addition to this, Mr. 
Weeks keeps a line of silver-plated ware, forks, spoons, 
etc., etc. 'The stock is an extensive and complete one and 
Mr. Weeks strives to offer the best articles at as low prices 
as is jjossible. This is easy to discover by paying a visit 
to his establishment, where he and his three assistants are 
always in readiness to show every politeness to their cus- 
tomers. 



28 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOMN. 



Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank. Incorporated 
1858. Middletowu, Conn — In a history of the origin and 
development of the more important commercial enter- 
prises of a community, great prominence must of course 
be given to the banking institutions carried on therein, for 
on these are dependent in a great measure the solvency 
and financial power of the people. Especially is this true 
of those designed for the reception of savings, and the 
best possible indicator of the condition of trade and of the 
habits of the inhabitants of any section, is that afforded by 
the reports of such institutions. Savings banks are now 
looked upon by the most enlightened political economists 
as being at least as valuable in the conservation of order as 
an equal number of police stations and certainly the 
direct and powerful influence they exert in inculcating 
liabits of industry and prudence among the people is 
worthy of careful consideration in summing up the saving 
elements in a conunnnity. But a savings liank, to be 
worthy of the name, must possess in the lughcst degree 
the respect and confidence of the people and it is just such 
an institution of which we propose to make record hei'e. 
We refer to the Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, 
which, since its organization in 18.58, has by the ability 
and enlightened conservatism shown in its management, 
«ome to be regarded as financially solid almost as the 
nation itself. Those conducting it are recognized as rep- 
resentative citizens all over the State, among them being 
John M, Doughis. who acts as president, and Samuel T. 
Camp as vice president, and Fred B. Chaflee, who officiates 
as secretary and treasurer. All these gentlemen were 
born m Middletown, and Mr. Douglas has held various 
local offices besides serving as State senator, Mr. Camp 
being a successful merchant. The board of directors is 
composed of the following gentlemen well known in the 
community and State : E. Bound Chaffee, Samuel Stearns, 
Jr., O. Vincent Coffin, Alfred Cornwell, Dr. Leonard 
Bailey, Arthur B, Calef, Geo. T. ]Meech. By a recent 
computation it was shown that the securities held liy the 
bank have been so judiciously selected as to have a market 
value nearly |78,0d0 in excess of their par value. This 
bank can pay its depositors in full and have surplus $170,- 
OOO, and this is but one of many things going to show that 
■every dollar deposited in the Farmers and Mechanics 
Savings Bank is as safe as it well can be. 

D. L. Briggs & Co., dealers in Chicago Dressed Beef, 
Jjimb, Mutton, Pork, Lard. Hams, etc. : office. Old Branch 
Passenger Depot, Middletown, Conn. — The residents of 
this countrj' have been characterized as " a nation of meat 
eaters," and every American probably knows that we do 
in fact consume an enormous amount of meat per capita 
when the entire consumption is etiually divided among 
the population, but in order to really appreciate to soiue 
degree the actual amount required to supplj' even a single 
section of llie country, one should visit some such estab- 
lishment as that conducted by Messrs. D L. Briggs & Co., 
in the old branch passenger depot. This firm do an 
exclusively wholesale business and deal in Chicago dressed 
beef, lamb, mutton, pork, lard, linms, etc., supplying 
many prominent retailers throughout Ibis vicinit\'. They 
receive beef and other meats literally by the ton, for the 
premises are so arranged as to admit car-load lots, car and 
all, and the first question that conu'S into the mind of the 
casual visitor is " What in the world can the}' do with all 
Ihis meat ? " The firm find no dilficully in disposing of it, 
however, for first class meats sell readily in this section 
and Messrs. D. L Briggs &, Co. are prepared to supply 
goods that will suit the most fastidious. Their storage 
facilities are on a par with the other conveniences notice- 
able, the cold storage room having an area of no less than 
1800 square feet. Orders are promptly filled with the aid 
-of five assistants, and the lowest market rates are quoted 
on all the various commodities handled. This representa- 
tive firm is made up of Messrs. I). L. Briggs and A. J, 
Briggs, both of whom are natives of Sarkville, N. B., and 
need no personal introduction to our Middletown readers, 
♦specially the senior partner, for he served on the board of 
aldermen during the years 1888 and 1889, and is now 
mayor of the city. 




^TUNDERTAKERF 




G. M. South- 
ma yd, Undertaker. 
A full line of goods 
used in the Imsiness 
constantly on hand. 
Marble Burial Vaults. 
Also agent for The 
White Bronze Monu- 
ments in jMiddlesex 
County. Ko. 2 6 
Main Street, Middle- 
town, Conn. — That 
Mr. G. M. South- 
ma> d is one of the 
best known funeral 
undertakers in the 
city, must be evident 
to all who are at all 
familiar with the 
magnitude of his 
business for his long 
and varied experience 
is availed of bj' a 
very large circle of 
customers and his 
facilities, ample as 
they are are not in- 
frequently severely 
taxed to meet the 
^lieavy demands made 
upon them Mr. 6. 
JL Southmayd is a 
native of Jliddlelown and has carried on his business 
since LSfi-T, having at that date succeeded Mr. John B. 
Southinayd, who founded this undertaking in 181.'). His 
present establishment is located at No. 200 Main street, 
and comprises two floors of the building, each 21x60 feet 
in dimensions, and is complete in every department. 
Employment is given to four ifflcient assistants and a full 
line of goods used in the business is constant!}' on hand. 
3Ir. Southmayd is agent for the White Bronze Slonumeuts 
in Middlesex county. He has a fine assortment of coffins, 
caskets, and slate Inirial vaults, as well as grave clothes of 
various styles and qualities, and is prepared to assume 
entire chaige of funerals, and everything will be furnished 
in first-class style at very moderate rates. iMr. Southmayd 
is very much respected and esteemed in the coiumunity, 
and is fully deserving of the good wishes so often 
bestowed upon him. He served in the army as captain of 
Co. A , 11th Uegiment, and held the oftice of councilman 
for 1870-71-72 ; alderman for 1884, and State Representa- 
tive for 1886. 

Geo. G. Thayer, dealer in Groceries, Provisions and 
Fruits, also a Good Line of Crockery and Glass-Ware. 
60 Main Street, Middletown, Conn. — There is no kind of 
business enterprise that is more popular, when it is carried 
on in the projier manner than that of the grocer and pro- 
vision dealer, and the reason is obvious, for there is no 
line of business in which the proprietors enter into more 
close relations with their customers. Take the establish- 
ment conducted by Jlr. Geo. G. Thayer for an example. 
The enterprise was inaugurated 1880 by its present pro- 
prietor and has steadily grown in patronage and apprecia- 
tion, until now it ranks among the first-class establish- 
ments of Middletown. Mr. Thayer is a native of New 
York State and 1ms a large number of friends in this 
vicinity. The premises utilized arc 18x60 feet in size and 
contain a heavy stock, for Mr. Thayer does an extensive 
retail business, and deals in a great variety of articles. 
Choice groceries, fresh provisions and fruits are handled, 
especial advantages being offered in these lines of superior 
goods, at bottom prices. This establishment is located at 
No. 60 Main street, where all goods dealt in are sold in 
quantities to snit. Crockery and glass-ware are also dealt 
in and the variety offered is sntficiently great to allow of 
all tastes being suited. Two reliable assistants are 
employed, orders are promptly filled and fair dealing is 
assured to all. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



2» 



The Middletown Savings Bank, Incorporated A. D. 
1835, Gforge A. Coles, President. Henry H. Smith, Treas- 
urer. Jliddlelown, Coun. — The capacity to save money is 
of almost equal importance to the capacity to earn it. and 
indeed we are by no means sure but that the one is the 
peer of the other, for what every young man should learn 
is that it is not what is earned but what is saved that con- 
stitutes wealth. The first step towards inducing people to 
save a portion of their earnings is to provide a place for 
their deposit where they may feel a moral certauity tliat 
all is safe and secure, and then if a certain percentage be 
allowed them for the use of their funds, more than half 
the battle is won. It is just such a noble work as this 
that has been accomplished by the founder of the Middle- 
town Savings Bank and their successors, and it would be 
difficult indeed to overestimate the good tliat has been 
wrought in the community by their means. Over sixtj-- 
flve years ago the original charter of this institution was 
granted, it being issued in 1835, when there were less than 
a dozen similar enterprises in the entire country. At the 
present time savings banks are numbered by the hundreds ; 
they are to be found in every town of any importance 
throughout the Eastern and Middle States, while many are 
located in the West and South, and they exercise a stimu- 
lating and j'et conservative influence which make tliem a 
might)' power for good, and which goes farther to assure 
a peaceable and reasonable settlement of the industrial and 
social questions of the day than any other influence that 
can be named, and it sliould never be lorgottt-n that it is 
miinly to the ability and integrity of the managers of the 
pioneer institutions, prominent among them being the 
Middletown Savings Bank — that this rapid and continuous 
development is due, for " by their fruits ye shall know 
them," and had the first savings banks proved failures it 
would have been many years before the confidence of the 
people could have been restored. The Jliddletown Sav- 
ings Bank has steadily gained in public favor and support 
until now it has in its custody deposits approximatini; five 
and a half millions of dollars. This enormous sum is 
safely and profitably invested, and depositors are given a 
liberal rate of interest, while the conservatism of the man- 
agement is attested by the existence of a surplus of very 
nearly .^300.000. Mr. George A. Coles is president of the 
bank, and Mr. H. H. Smith treasurer, while the board of 
trustees is made up of representative business men who 
possess to an exceptional degree the esteem and confidence 
of the community. 

G. E. Burr, dealer in Fancy and Family Groceries, 
Flour, ileal. Wood and Willow Ware, Foreign and 
Domestic Fruits, No. 80 Main Street, Middletown, Conn. 
— It is by catering especially to family trade that Jlr. G. 
E. Burr, who is engaged in the sale of fancy and family 
groceries, has worked up the very liberal patronage he 
now enjcivs, and no one who has observed the methods b)' 
which his estal)lishmenl has been advanced to its present 
prominence, can begrudge him the success attained, for it 
has been won, not by belittling competitors and seeking 
to injure any man, but by conscientious, intelligent and 
untiring work of the hardest kind. Mr. G. E. Burr wa.s 
born in Middletown, and founded his present business 
under the name of Burr Brothers, and since 1880, has had 
entire control and management of atTairs. lie now occu- 
pies prenuses located at No. 80 JIain street, comprising a 
store 18x100 feet in dimensions, also a store room 13x18 
feet, and tlie services of four coni]ietent assistants are 
required to enable him to fill all orders with celerity and 
accuracy. The stock on hand is a very full and varied 
one, including as it does fan(^y and family groceries, flour, 
meal, wood and willow ware ; also foreign and domestic 
fruits of all kinds. Mr. Burr has reason to take special 
pride in the goods furnished to patrons, for it is often 
rennirked among those who have tested them, that their 
equal is very hard to find elsewhere for the money. The 
prices are reasonable in every dep ntinent, and customers 
of this bouse can depend on getting a fair eipiivalent for 
their money every time. 



Walter H. Smith, Hack, Livery, Boarding and Sale 
Stable. Carriages for Parlies, Funerals, etc. Best Ladies' 
and Gentlemen's Single and Double Driving Teams in the 
City. Stable Open Day and Night. Telephone Connnec- 
tions. No. 33 East Court Street, Jliddletown, Conn.— 
There are some people who think that every dollar spent 
for anything beside the actual necessities of life is wa.sted, 
but happily these people are becoming fewer in number 
every year, and the great majority of the public are firm 
btlievers in the motto " All work and no joy makes Jack 
a dull boy," or in other words, as the world grows wiser 
it appreci.ites the fact that recreation is as important, and 
as nece-sary to the maintenance of health as food or shel- 
ter. No more healthful and enjoyable recreation than 
driving has yet been discovered, and we are perfectly con- 
vinced that if some of our readers would spend less money 
for drugs and doctor's bills, and more for horse-hire, they 
would be heartier and happier in every way. A good 
horse, an easy carriage and a pleasant road combine to 
make a more valuable recipe for the preservation or 
regaining of health than tT\ o-thirds of the doctors' prescrip- 
tions, and certainly this recipe is "easier to take" than 
any drug. You can get all its ingredients but the road at 
the hack, livery, boarding and sale stable conducted l)y 
Mr. Walter H. Smith, at No. 33 East Court street, and t ur 
readers need not be told that there is no lack of good 
roads and pleasant drives in Middletown and viciiiitv. 
i\Iany competent judges agree that Mr. Smith furnishes 
the best ladies' and gentlemen's single and double driving 
teams in the city, and no one denies that his accommoda- 
tions are unsurpassed while his prices are as low as those 
quoted at any other first-class Middletown stable. Spa- 
cious and well-equipped [uemises are occupied and 
employment is given to seven assistants, every order being 
assured immediate and careful attention. The stable is 
open day and night, and has telephone connections. Car- 
riages will be furnished for parties, weddings, funerals, 
etc , and moderate charges are made in every instance. 
Mr. Smith is a native of Rocky Hill, Conn., and served as 
State Representative during 18T9-80. He has carried on 
his present enterprise since 1883, and his business is not 
only large but steadily and rapidly developing. 

Charles A. Bailey, Designer and Sculptor, Die Sinking, 
Mould Making, Modeling of Ornamental Patterns, En- 
graving, Steel Hubs Cut, and Model-^NIaking to Order. 
Machinery designed for performing Special Operations, 
or making New Articles, 140 Main Street (up stairs). Mi '- 
dletown. Conn.— It is obvicms that a designer and sculptor 
must be capable of producing the most accurate work if he 
is to be successful, and the results attained at the establish- 
ment of Mr. Charles A. Bailey. No. 140 Main street, up 
stairs, have been such as to entitle him to rank among the 
most skillful and reliidile designers and sculptors in this 
section. Mr, Bidley is a native of Chatham, Conn., and 
began operations here in 1880. His premises are well- 
equipped, and be is consequently able to fill orders at 
short notice, as well as to guarantee satisfaction as regards 
the character of the work. Die-sinking, mould-making, 
modelling of ornamental patterns, engraving, steel liubs 
cut, and model inakiiu;- is done to order, and" low charges 
are made in every (lep:uinieiit. Machinery is designed for 
liei forming special operations or for making new articles. 
Special attention is given to the modeling of portraits from 
photographs, and produced in bronze, a good likeness 
bein.g guaranteed, and tho.se wishing anything of the kind 
done, would best serve iheir own interests liy giving Mr. 
Bailey a call before placing their orders elsewhere. He is 
a skillful and experienced designer and has a reputation as 
an inventor, and all business entrusted to him will be kept 
strictly private. He can readily understand and put into- 
shape devices that would puzzle those less perfectly 
equipped. The very finest work is put into his produc- 
tions, and we feel that all who may patronize Mr. Bailey 
will have no reason to regret having done so. 



80 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETUWN. 





-^r* !i i .ill 










D. R. Brownlow, dciiler in Groceries, Provisions and 
Variety Goods, Stoves, Tiinvure and Plumbing. Steam and 
Gas Fitting, 12 Warwick Street, Middletown, Conn.— Mr. 
D. R. Brownlow was horn in Middletown, and inaugu- 
rated liis present enterprise in 1805, having llius lieen iden- 
tified with it, for a quarter of a century. He has gradually 
increased the scope and the magnitude of his business 
until it has become one of the leading enterprises of the 
kind In this section. It is located at No. 12 Warwick 
sireet, and occupies spacious quarters, there being two 
floors each 30 X 40 feet, with an extension 15 x 26 feet. 
A very large and valuable stock is constantly carried, and 
so varied is it that lack of space renders detailed mention 
impossible, but suffice it to say that you can find about 
anything in the line of groceries, provisions and variety 
goods, here, and we may add that you will also find that 
the prices are in every instance as low as the lowest, qual- 
ity considered. An important department of the liusiness 
is that devoted to the handling of stoves, tinware, etc., a 
full assortment of the best makes being constantly carried 
in stock. Mr. FJrownlow is also a practical plumber, 
steam and gas fitter, and as employment is given to ten 
-competent assistants, orders In any branch of the business 
will receive prompt attention, and will be filled in the most 
satisfactory manner. Jlr. Brownlow is a native of Jlid- 
■dlclown, and was councilman several jears previous to 
1884, and was a member of the water board for 1884, 1885, 
1886 and 1887. 



W. A. Brower, Commission Broker ; Stocks, Bonds, 
Grain and Provisions. Telephone and Private Wire. 
Correspondent Doran & Wright Co.. New York. No. 157 
Main Street. Middletown, Conn. — The establishment con- 
ducted by Mr. W. A. Brower. at No. 157 Main street, is 
worthy ol particularly prominent and favorable mention in 
a review ot MIddletown's mercantile and industrial enter- 
prises, first because It is the only one of the kind in the 
cit}', and second because the facilities offered are excep- 
tionally complete and reliable. Mr Brower is a native of 
New York City, and began operations in Middletown in 
1887. He has built up an extensive and steadilj' increasing 
business, and gained an enviable reputation for ability and 
integrity. He Is a commission broker in stocks, bonds, 
grain and provisions, and his oflice has direct communica- 
tion with the great trade centres by teleplionc and private 
wire, the latest quotations being received and all necessary 
information being furnished to allow large or small invest- 
ments to be intelligently made. Mr. Brower is correspond- 
ent of the Doran & Wright Company of New York, and 
business may be transacted through him with as nuich 
dispatch and reliability as tliough the investor were at the 
home office of that representative concern. 



Frank E. Willis, Photographer ; studio, 158 Main 
Street, Middletown, Conn. — The day when it was neces- 
sary to pay an exorbitant price lor a photograph has 
passed, and there is now no reason whj' everybody should 
not po.ssess an artistic portrait. There is no need to enter 
into an argument to uphold our position so (ar as the Mid- 
dletown people are concerned for all they have to do is to 
call on Mr. Frank E Willis at No 158 .Main sireet, and 
see what he has to offer as regards goods and prices. The 
illustiations in this book are from photographs obtained at 
his studio. We also imdcrstand that he always has for 
sale a fine assortment of views of all the principal points 
of inteiest in Midillelown and vicinity. Mr. Vvills is a 
native of Kecne, N. H., and succeeded jMr. F. J Moore in 
business in 1889. The premises utilized comprise a large 
and pleasant reception-room, operating-room and work- 
room. He is steadily increasing the number of his patrons 
by strict attention to business, good work and fair i)rices, 
and honorable dealing and deserves the cordial support 
and appreciation of this vicinity. -Mr. Willis and his two 
assistants are always ready and willing to give prompt and 
polite attention to all i)alrons. 

D. I. Chapman, dealer in Choice Groceries, Provisions, 
Fruit and Vegetables, No. 88 Main Street, .Middletown, 
Conn. — The briskness and energy manifested in the enter- 
prise carried on by iMr. D. I. Chapman, are iu refreshing 
contrast to the methods pursued at some other establish- 
ments of a similar nature, and it is not to be wondered at 
that a large business has already been built up, although 
the undertaking was not inaugurated until 1886, premises 
measuring 20 X 40 feet, and located at No. 88 Main street 
are made use of. and llie stock of choice groceries on hand 
is so varied and comi)lete that ail tastes can be suited and 
all orders filled without delay, l^rovisions of all kinds are 
also very extensively dealt in, and fruit and vegetables in 
great variety in tjieir seasons, and the prices quoted on all 
goods handled are (juite enough to explain its popularity 
with housekeepers. Mr. Chapman was born in Ledyard, 
Conn., and is well known among our business men. He 
employs three ellklent and accommodating assistants, and 
customers are attended to at once; orders being promptly 
and accurately delivered. Mr. Chapman gives close per- 
sonal attention to the various departments of his business. 

O. A. Pelton, wholesale and Betail Druggist. Proprietor 
of the Celebrated .\merican Cough Drops, Dr. Griffith's 
Plaster, Collins' Kallocrine or Medicated Hair Tonic, and 
Pelton's Stomach Bitters. 52 .Main Street, Corner Wil- 
liam, Middletown, Conn. — Few establishments in New 
England, or, in fact, in the whole covintry, can boast of a 
longer standing tijan the present liouse of Mr. C. A. 
Pelton. With just pride many say " I have been in my 
business twenty years." But how many men can boast of 
being the owner of a house which began with the century, 
and has been doing a flourishing trade for ninety years! 
Mr. Pelton is a native of Middletown. He Is a wholesale 
and retail druggist and the present representative of the 
house founded in 1800. Mr. K. C. lluhbard was the pro- 
prietor in 1851, Mr. I'ehon becoming his clerk in 1855. 
Eleven years later, 1862, the business changed hands, Jlr. 
Pelton becoming part owner with Jlr. Collins, and the 
firm was known as Collins it Pelton. The name was 
again changed in 1871, when Mr. Pelton became sole pro- 
prietor, which position he has held ever since, proving 
him.self eminently efficient in carrying on this Important 
branch of Industry. The premises at 52 Main street 
occup\' three floors, each of the dimensions 20X85 feet, 
and three assistants are employed to attend to the many 
duties of a druggist's business. Besides the ordinary line 
of trade, putting up prescriptions, which is ot course, the 
most important branch, Mr. Pelton is proprietor of the 
celebrated American Cough Drops, so efficacious for any 
bronchial trouble, for Dr. Griffith's plaster, and Collin's 
kallocrine or medicated hair tonic, very useful for invig- 
orating the hair or to prevent its falling. Besides being 
well known as a business man, Mr. Pelton has had four 
terms of public service, having been a member of the city 
council in 1868-9 and 1871-2. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



31 



Win. B. Davis, Groceries, Provisionii, etc. Choice Lino 
of Fruits aud Vcfiotablcs Always on Hand. Tolmcco and 
Cigars. No. C2 iMain Street, .Middletown, Conn. — |{esi- 
•deuts of Middletown certainly do not suffer from a lack of 
grocery and provision stores. f<n- tliiro are an unusual 
number of these needful estublisliments in this vicinity in 
proportion to the population. But lliis is a fault on the 
Tight side (if it is a fault at all), for "competition is the 
life of trade," and few energetic men will grumble about 
<undue competition as long as honorable methods are 
adhered to. We are sure tliat Mr. \Vm. B. Davis of No. 
■1)2 Main street, has no fault to find, at all evenls, and 
indeed it would be surprising if he had. as his trade is 
brisk as it is, and is constantlj- increasing. Mr. Davis 
succeeded Mr. N. G. Shernuiu iu business in 188(). and has 
been sole proprietor since that date. His store is 25xl'"i 
feet in dimensions and contains as fine looking, will 
selected an assortment of groceries, provisions, etc.. as it 
■would be easy to find in Middleiowii. Choice fruits and 
"Vegetables are always on hand, as well as the best branils 
of tobacco aud cigars. Special attentinn is given to sup- 
plying family trade, and the most popular grades of groce- 
ries and provisions of all kinds are constantly in stock. 
"Very low prices are quoted on these iudispi usable com- 
modities, and it will be found well worth while to inspect 
the inducements here offered before placing orders at 
■other establishments. 

Lyman Payne, dealer in Pianos and Organs, and Geo 
<«ral ^Musical Merchandise. Agent for the Decker Brothers, 
Hallett & Cumston, and Newby and Evans Pianos, and 
■the Estey aud Loriug & Hlake OrgaTis. Instruments 
Uented and Sold on Installments, or at Ver_y Low Prices 
for Cash. No UjT Main Street, ^Middletown, Conn. — 
"Music iiatli charms to soothe the savage breast" no 
■doubt, but it hath charms to accomplish a still more satis- 
factory result — make home what it should be, the pleas- 
•antest spot on earth. Anything that will promote good 
f< eling in the domestic circle is to be encouraged, and cer- 
tainly nothing is more valuable iu this respect than music 
for a good, hearty family chorus is pleasant alike to 
singers and hearers. A musical instrument is therefore 
ailuiost a necessity iu every home, and the choice usuall}' 
lies between a piano and an organ. Some will prefer the 
•one and some the other, but one thing should be insisted 
upon, — get a first-class instrument, for such is not ouly 
the best but the cheapest in the end. A visit to the estab- 
lishment of Jtr. Lyman Payne will demonstrate the fact 
that a first-class piano or organ may be bought at a very 
low figure, comparatively speaking, for this gentleman 
handles the celebrated Decker Bros., Hallett & Cumstou 
and Newby & Evans pianos, and the Estey, Loring & 
Blake and Story & Clark organs, the reputation of which 
is widespread and unsurpassed, and is prepared to offer 
■these popular instruments for cash or on installments, and 
aUo for rental at the very lowest prices. Mr. Pa}'ne is a 
native of Portland, Conn., and established his present 
■undertaking in 1S~."). The premises utili'/.ed are located at 
No. 167 Main street, where in addition to pianos and 
organs, a fine assortment of musical merchandise in geu- 
■€ral is carried, which upon inspection will be found to 
•contain the most popular as well as the latest musical pub- 
lications of the day. 

Hennigar Bros., Photographers, Rooms l:i6 JIain Street, 
Middletown, Conn — There are not a few people who 
think it necessary to visit the largest cities in order to 
•obtain a firstclass portrait, and wiio would laugh at the 
■the idea of being able to get an ei[ually faithful and hancL 
somely finished likeness at home, yet fxpert photographers 
-arc not confined to the more important cities by any 
means, and we have an instance of this in the lirm of 
Hennigar Brothers, whose popular studio is located at No. 
136 Main street. This photographic establishment was 
founded by Mr. G. \V. Hennigar in ISCl, and the genennis 
patronage bestowed upon him showed that his work was 
«([ual to any in this vicinity. In l.SOO the firm-name was 



changed to Hcmiigar Brothers, this firm being made up of 
Mr. U. W. Ileunigar's two sous, .Mr. M. VV. Hennigar, a 
native of Siig Harbor, N. Y., and Mr. H. V. Hennigar of 
Middletown. We do not hesitate to recommend these 
gentlemen to all who appreciate fine portraits. Visit the 
.studio, e.\aminc the finished work there on exhil)ilion, 
compare it with that of esiablishments of much greater 
pretensions, and see if you can find its superior. Two 
competent assistants are employed, and the studio is 
equipped with the most improved ami modern appliances, 
aud is 2.') XKH) led in dimensions. A specitdly is made of 
crayon enlargement. Pijotographs of all kinds are pro- 
duced at short notice, and at as low prices as can l)e 
named on work of this character, and no work is allowed 
to leave the studio that is not fully up to the high standard 
established by these artists. 

Lyman D. Mills, dealer in Stoves and Tinware, Plumb- 
ing, Tin Hoofing, Steam ami Hot Water Healing and Gas 
Fitting, No. 40 East Court Street. Jliddletown, Conn. — 
Since the enterprise now conducted by Mr. Lyman D. 
Mills was inaugurated, in 1844, many and radical improve- 
ments have been made in cooking aud heating stoves, and 
methods of doing business have also been modified to a 
coMsideral)le extent, but the high position attained by this 
undertaking since its inception has been steadily main- 
tained, and jMr. Mills is prepared to offer unsurpassed 
inducements to those wishing for anything iu his line. 
He is a native of LeUoy, New York, and assumed entire 
management of the establishment in question in 188S. 
The ijremi-es utilized are located at No. 40 East Court 
stieet, and comprise one floor and basement each 3.")Xl'^0 
feet iu dimensions, aud contain a heavy stock of cooking 
and heating stoves of all kinds, as well as tin ware of 
every description. Jlr. Mills is in a position to quote the 
lowest market rates on all these articles, and he makes it a 
point to guaraulee everything he sells to prove just as 
represented. The latest novelties iu stoves aud tin-ware 
goods ma}' always be obtained through him at bottom 
prices, anil an imi)ortanl department of the business is the 
doing of plumbing, tin-roofing, steam heating and gas 
fitting work. Eleven reliable assistants are employed, 
and all orders for the above named line of work receive 
prompt atteution aud are carried out in a thorough aud 
workmanlike manner. Mr. Jlills is very well known 
throughout Jliddletown having held the olHce of alderman 
from 1887 to 1S89, and is a member of the board of educa- 
tion for 1889 and 1890. 

George M. Pratt (Successor to Arba Hyde,) dealer iu 
Coal and Wood, Office foot of Court Street. (Connected 
by Telephone.) Jliddletown, Conn. — There is an enor- 
mous amount of coal and wood disposed of annually in 
Middletown and vicinity, and wc think it would suri>rise 
many of our readers to learn the average consumption of 
these commodities per week, aud the magnitude of tlie 
business in both its wholesale and retail departments. 
Among local dealers in coal and wood it is perfectly safe 
to saythat not one bears a higher reputation than does 
Jlr. George 51. Pratt, who succeeded ..Mr. Arba Hyde in 
1886. The premises made use of by Mr. Pratt are located 
at the foot of Court street, and cover an area of al)out an 
acre. The nuun building is two stories in height and 
40x100 feet iu dimensions, and there are suflicient storage 
facilities to accommodate a very heavy stock, but these 
facilities are at times severely tested, for Mr. Pratt does an 
extensive buBiness both wholesale and retail and carries a 
full assortment of the most popular brands of coal, 
together with a large stock of hard and soft wood. He 
employs five assistants, and has all necessary fHcilitics to 
ensure the prompt and accurate lilling of orders, three 
teams being utilized and no pains being spared to deliver 
all orders at the time promised. The oflice has telephone 
connection, and onlers thus transmitted or sent by mail 
are assured as prompt and careful attention as those left 
in person. Mr. Pratt quotes the lowest market rates on 
the commodities he handles, and all goods supplied by him 
are sure to prove precisely as represcuted. 



32 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 




TRA I PARTIIMPR Agent for Ihe celebrated V< alter 

inii L, LTflnuiiiiin, mower, reaper and hor 

Produce and Commission Mercbant. Dealer in Bananas, 
Oranges, Lemons, Figs, Grapes, Nuts, etc. Walter A. 
Wood's Mowing Machines and Horse Raises, Plows and 
Repairs for same. 131 Main Street, Middletown, Conn — 
Among the numerous business men who do a thriving 
trade in Middletown is Mr. Ira L. Gardiner. He is well 
known by the inhabitants as being one of the first pro- 
duce and commission merchants of the place, not only for 
the quality of Ids goods, but for the many years he has 
been established among them. Born and brought up in 
Middletown, Mr. Gardiner chose his native place as the 
scene of his business efforts. These he began as far back 
as 1853, his trade which is both wholesale and retail grow- 
ing steadily with the growth of tlie town. He makes a 
specialty of agricultural implements and has been agent 
for many years of the celebrated Walter A. Wood mower, 
reaper and horse-rake, which has just received the first 
prizes at the Paris exposition. Farmers will find here a 
wealth of other articles necessary for their pursuits. 
Among these may be mentioned Blanchard churns, Fyler 
churns, grass seeds, ha}' cutters, Centeninal swivel plow. 
Gale chilled plow, Wyard's sulky plow, Gray's horse powers 
and repairs for same. JIauy varieties of fertilizers are also 
kept in stock, H. J. Baker & Bros.' fertilizers, phosphates, 
ground bone, ground plaster — potash salts, and Worcester 
brand of salt. This house is also agent for the Hitchcock 
potato digger, which is a favorite with so many farmers. 
Mr. Gardiner's career has not been solely a business one. 
As alderman he has served three terms and at the present 
time he is filling the office of selectman. 

Benj. F. Turner, dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Flour 
and Feed. Durham Avenue, Jliddletown. Conn. — In one 
sense of the word, practically all retail grocery and provi- 
sion stores are alike, but it will be found on more intimate 
acquaintance that stores differ as much as people do. and 
the more thoroughly you are acquainted with them the 
more broad the difference appears. Every establishment 
has distinguisliing characteristics of its own, and perhaps 
the most prominent feature of tlie store carried on by Mr. 
Benj. F. Turner, on Durham avenue, is the dependence 
that can safely be placed upon all representations made 
there. This establishment was founded by Mr. .lames F. 
Turner in 18o5, and the firm-name has sine been changed 
to its present style, Benj. F. Turner. Mr. Turner, is a 
native of Middletown. Three well informed assistants are 
employed, and an extensive retail trade has been built up 
in choice family groceries, provisions, fiour. feed, etc. 
Mr. Turner's goods are always satisfaclory and his prices 
equally so. He carries an exceptionally heavy stock, 
utilizing premises comprising a store and basement each 
30x50 feet in dimensions, in addition to a storehouse 
comprising two floors, each 20x20 feet in size. He 
makes it a rule to keep his assortment complete in every 
department, and there are few articles coming under the 
head of choice family groceries and provisions not handled 
by him. Prompt and polite attention is assured to all. 



Prank D. Brewster, manufacturer of ancS 
dealer in Men's ami Boys' Custom and Readj'- 
Made Clothing, Cloths and Furnishing Goods, 
106 Main Street, Corner College Street, Jlid- 
dletown. Conn. — One of the most useful 
establishments possible in a community, is- 
s-uch as is conducted by Mr. Brewster on JIain 
street. His goods are not only indispensable 
in kind, but tine in qualit}' and low in price, 
therefore it is only natural that his trade 
shovdd be a large and increasing one Thnse 
wishing anything in the line of ready-made 
clothing will find it to their advantage to 
visit this store. If a customer prefers to have 
"" his clothing made to order, Mr. Brewster is 

also ready to accommodate him, as he carries 
a fine selection of cloths and furnishing goods 
from which j'ou can take your choice, and he 
is a manuiacturer as well as a dealer in men's- 
A. WOOD anil boys' clothing. He keeps constantly on 
SE RAKE, hand a full assortment of everything in 
this line. This house was established in 1860 by 
Mr. Cliarles E. Benhara and after several changes in 
the management Mr. Frank D. Brewster became .sole 
proprietor in 1870. The premises are located at thecorner 
of Main and College streets, and the space occupied meas- 
ures 25 X 65 feet. Employment is given to two compe- 
tent assistants, and the assortment shown of fashionable 
and thoroughly made garments should certainl}' be seen 
before purchasing elsewhere. Suits are on hand designed 
for either dress or business wear, and some styles are 
designed for both purposes, and are elegant and correct at 
all times. The newest styles and patterns will be found 
in each department and low prices will prevail. All orders 
are accurately attended to, and all business is transacted 
in an honoiable and satisfactory manner. 

Parshley & Co., dealers in Fine Hats, Shoes and Gents'" 
Furnishings, No. 72 Main Street, Middletown, Conn. — 
People who dress the best are those who most thoroughly 
realize the fact that one's appearance depends more upon 
the accessories than the main portion of the costume, or in 
other words, that it is easy to maintain a neat and fashion- 
able appearance at but comparatively small expense by 
using care and judgment in the selection of hats, boots, 
neckwear, etc. But few realh' appreciate this fact, but it 
is a fact, and one well worth bearing in mind, for by- 
taking advantage of it money cuu be saved and very satis- 
factor}' results attained. Of course it is necessary to use 
judgment in order to buy hats, shoes, furnishings, etc., to 
the best advantage ; but this is easily done by visiting the- 
establishment conducted by the firm of Parshley & Co. at 
No. 72 Main street, for here may be found a large and 
desirable slock of such goods at prices as low as the 
lowest. Mr. A. R. Parshley is a native of Middletown 
and established his present enterprise in 1836. He has 
built up an extensive business and it is sure to prove per- 
manent, for it is founded on the solid principle of giving 
full value for every dollar received. The premises made 
use of comprise one floor of the dimensions of 20x85 feet, 
and is well stocked with a choice selection of men's and 
boys' fur and wool soft hats in all shapes, also shoes of alt 
kinds, as well as trunks, bags, umbrellas, canes, etc., and 
a choice line of gents' furnishing goods. Employment is 
given to two assistants, prompt and courteous attention 
being assured to every caller. 

E. B. Smith, Sanitary Plumber and Heating Engineer ,- 
dealer in Crockery, Stoves, Tin-Ware, and House Furnish- 
ing Goods ; Plumbing, Steam, Water and Mill Supplies ; 
agent for Mills', Gold's, Mahony's and Perfect Steam and 
Hot Water Boilers ; 58 Main Street, Middletown, Conn. — 
The enterprise carried on by Jlr. E. B. Sndth was founded 
in 1870 The premises occupied comprise five floors, each 
30 X 85 feet in dimensions, and they are known as the 
Down Town Crockery Store, as Mr. Smith deals very 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



33 



largely in ciockery as well as in stoves, tinware, house 
Turni^iinu; goods, and all kinds of drain and sewer pipe, 
and does a wholesale as well as retail trade. He is also 
agent for JNIills', Gold's, Jlahony's and Perfect steam and 
hot water boilers. Mr. Smith has had a great deal of 
experience as heating engineer, and with the facilities at 
his command is in a position to guarantee satisfaction to 
those who may place orders with him for steam or hot 
water heating plants of any description. He also makes a 
specialty of sanitary plumbing in all its details. This 
gentleman has conducted this biisiuess for so long a time 
in this community, that it is hardly necessary for us to 
refer to the methods be employs, it being generally under- 
stood that they are of the most approved, and thorough in 
every particular. Those who contemplate steam or hot 
water heating apparatus, or who wish to give orders for 
any kind of piping will ttod it to their advantage to com- 
municate with this house. As the conditions under which 
such work is to be done, vary in every instiince, the impor- 
tance of securing experienced, conscientiou'^, an<l expert 
workmen is plainly seen. Air. Smitli personally superin- 
tends all such work and guarantees perfect satisfaction. 

Mrs. M. J. H. Chapman, Kandy Kitchen, 120 JIain 
Street, .Miildletown, Conn. — People have a natural desire 
to know what thej' are eating, and therefore a man is 
entirel}' excusable for seeking to satisfy himself that what- 
ever enters his mouth is pure and unadulterated. Espe- 
cially is this true in the case of confectionery, for in the 
manufacture of this article adulteration has been freely 
cliarged, and in some instances proved, and altbough the 
wild stories current regarding the introduction of poison- 
ous materials into some candies are entirely imaginary and 
not founded upon fact, still when a man pays for sugar be 
wants sugar, and neither " terra alba " nor any olber sub- 
stance however harmless. We are bappj' to be in a posi- 
tion to call attention to the enterprise conducted by Jlrs. 
M. J. H. Chapman, which was established in 1883. She 
advertises choice confectionery and ice cream, and as she 
has been located here for seven years and the trade is 
steadily growing, no better proof of the purity of tbe 
goods she supplies can be desired. If impure ice cream is 
eaten, the very serious effects which it produces are fi It 
williin a few hours, certainly, and as the manj' who have 
eaten the ice cream served here have felt no disturbance 
from so doing, the presumption is, of course, that it is a 
pure article, made from fresh materials, and proper care 
is used in tbe utensils required for ils production. The 
premises required for this business comprise two floors 
25xf>0 feet in dimensions. Eight to ten assistants are 
employed to serve tbe numerous patrons in a piompl and 
satisfactorj' manner, as the manj' regular customers can 
testify. 

H. W. Ward (formerly Bailey & Ward), I'luiuber, 
Steam and Gas Fitter. Hot Water Heating a Specialty. 
Tin and Sheet Iron and General Jobbing, 42 Centre 
Street, Middletovvn, Conn. — The importance of having 
such work as steam and gas tilting done by experienced 
and skillful liauds only, would seem to be sufficiently 
obvious 10 need no particular mention were it not for the 
fact that hardly a day passes but what news is circulated 
of some accident happening owing to steam or gas piping 
being improperly done. Now there is no necessity for 
such occurrences, as there are concerns possessed of both 
the experience and the ability to till all orders for piping 
and plumbing in a thnroughl}' satisfactory and dundile 
manner, and one of the most reliable men engaged in this 
line of bu-iini-ss in Jliddleiown is Mr. H. W. Ward, local(ul 
at No. 42 Centre street. He was formerly a member of the 
firm of Bailey & Ward and since 188!) llie business has 
been under the sole manairement ol Air. II. W. Ward, and 
now occupies a leading posiiion among t-imilar undertak- 
ings in this section. Jlr. Ward is a native of Middletown, 
-a member of the Masonic and Odd F'ellows fraternities. 



and is highly respected throughout the communiiy A 
specialty is made of hot water healing and sanitary jdumb- . 
ing, also tin and slice, iron work and general jobbing. 
Orders for plumbing, steam and gas ]iiping will be given 
prompt and careful atlention at all times, and as four 
efficient assistants are employed, and the most improved 
tools and appliances are at hand tbe most difficult jobs can 
be undertaken wiili a guarantee of complete satisfaclion 
and durability. 

Thomas B. Bent, Livery and Sale Stables, Coaches, 
Coupt^s and Single Teams, No. 20 East Court Street, Mid- 
dletown, Conn. — Jlr. Thomas B. Bent has been sole pro- 
prietor of the livery and sale stables at No. 26 East Court 
street since 1888, but the business was established long 
before that date, it having been founded many years ago 
and ranking with the most important enterprises of the 
kind in this section of llic State. The premises utilized 
are spacious and well arranged, and are equipped with all 
necessary facilities for carrying on operations to the best 
advantage. They have a frontage on Court street of 160 
feel, and a depth of !)U feet, and tbe building is three 
stories in lieight. The teams furnished by Air. Bent are 
ilecidedly superior to tho.se generally devoted to a livery 
business, they comparing favorably, in tact, with the 
average of those from private stables. Coaches, coupes 
and single teams may be secured liere at uniformlj' reason- 
able rates and there is no stable in the city at which orders 
are more promptly and carefully tilled, for employment is 
given to nine assistants and callers are assured immediate 
and courteous altention. Air. W'ni was born in Aliddle- 
town and is very generally known throughout this vicinity. 
The sale deparlment of his business is one of its most 
noteworthy features, tor he is very extensively engaged in 
tbe handling of Northern horses and disposes of a great 
many every year. There are so many and such obvious 
advantages connected with buying horses of a dealer of 
Mr. Bent's standing and experience that we will not state 
them ill detail, and indeed the magnitude of his trade 
shows that the residents of this vicinity fully appreciate 
his liberal methods, his extensive facilities and his entire 
respousibilit)'. 

F. S. Hills, dealer in Foreign and Domestic Fruits, 
Groceries and Provisions, Wood and Willow Ware, No. 
204 Alain Street, Middletown, Conn. — During the long 
winter months of our trying climate, we are apt to regret 
that we so ill appreciated the fruits and vegetables that 
summer ever brings us. and to long for a taste of sdmelhing 
fresh and green. This is a feeling lo be encouraged rather 
than crushed, for there is nothing more wholesome than a 
judicious amount of fruit, and if more people would make 
the trial, they would discover that instead of being an 
extravagance, when in w inter prices are naturally high, it 
is an alisolute economy, for fruit acts as a Ionic, often- 
times averts illness, thercbv saving much suffering and the 
inevilable doctor's bills. Fruit is almost a necessity m her 
than a luxury — it need not be an expensive one, fornobody 
can see the beaulil'ul oranges sent up from Florida eveiy 
year, finer by far than those of any other country, and sold 
at such moderate prices, without acknowledging thai tbey 
get their money's worth and even more. A choice selection 
of these and other domestic and foreign fruits is always to 
be found at the store of Mr. F. S. Hills, 2(14 Alain street. 
He keeps all kinds of fruit in their season, tbe best the 
market affords, besides a large line of groceries, provisions 
and a variety of articles made of wood and willow ware. 
Mr. Hills is a native of Franklin. Mass. He started his 
present business in 18T."), and occupies commodious prem- 
ises, 22 >? 105 feet, at 204 Alain street, where six attend- 
ants are employed who take pleasure in serving all patrons 
promptly and well. In 1884 Mr. Hills became a member 
of the common council, serving in that capacity for five 
years, and now he is one of the city aldermen. 



34 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



Bailey & Stothart, Plumbers, Steam and Gas Fitters, 
dealers in Fiiroiices, Sloves, Ranges, Tinware, Hefrii^era- 
tors. Rubber Hose, Drain Tile, etc. Agents for the 
" Gurney Hot Water Heater " for Healing Stores, Dwell- 
ings and Rublio Buildings. Tin roofing and Jobbing of 
alT kinds Promptly Attended to. Estimates Furnished on 
Application. 97 Main Street, Jliddletown, Conn. — It is 
hardly necessary in these days to warn people of the 
dangers of poor plundiing, for the subjects of drainage 
and ventilation arc continually being improved and are so 
much before the public, that it seems as if people must pay 
some attention to them. And yet how often it is we hear 
of one member of a family after another being stricken 
with diphtheria, typlius, or some such <Hre disease, and the 
cause at last appears to be poor drainage, foul air. Penny 
wise and pound foolish — for which is better, to pay the 
plumber or the doctor ? The tirm of Jlessrs. Bailey & 
Stothart is of recent formation, but the house is an old one 
of established reputation, dating as far l)ack as 1830, when 
it was started by Jlr. .lohn S. Bailey. The business is 
retail and of a very comprehensive nature. Plumbing, 
steam and gas titling in all their branches, tin roofing and 
jobbing of all kinds are done to order, or estimates fur- 
nished on application. A hu'ge line of furnaces, stoves, 
ranges and refrigerators are kept constantly in stock, 
together with rubber hose, drain tile and a variety of tin 
ware. Jlessrs. Bailey & Stothart make a specialty of 
heating stores, dwellings and public buildings, using the 
"Gurney Hot Water" system, for which they arc the 
agents. The " Gurney " insures a warm house both day 
and night and is absolutely safe. Nearly twenty of these 
healers are in use in this city and vicinity, all of which 
hav(t given excellent satisfaction. Hot water heating is 
not an experiment but has been successfully done by 'be 

E. & 0. Gurney Company in Canada and the United States 
for Iwenly years, they being the pioneers in this industry 
and contioiling by patents the most valuable improve- 
ments in design of this method of heating. Parties wish- 
ing a comfortable and even temperature will do well to 
consult them. The Model Grand Range for cooking has 
no equal, and for quick baking, economy and utility we 
challenge its equal. We can safely tay that parties having 
work to be done in any of the above branches of industry 
can entrust them to these gentlemen, whose interest it is 
to do their work satisfactorily. The store is situated at 
97 Main street. Three floors of 25X72 feet in dimensions 
are utilized, besides a small storehouse annexed, and eight 
competent assistants are empluyid in the different depart- 
ments. Both members of the firm are Middletown men 
and both have from time to time held various local public 
offices. 

O. F. Collins, Banker, dealer in School District Bonds, 
City Water Bonds, 7 per cent. Debenture Bonds: Ofliee, 134 
Main Street, jliddletown. Conn. — The handling of invest- 
ment securities lias become a very extensive and important 
business, for its development has coincided with that of 
the country, and, indeeii, the two are mutually dependent 
for it is obvious that the natural resources of the country 
cannot be properly dev('loped without capital, and on the 
other hand capital cannot be profitably and safely invested 
in sections where no organized and intelligent system of 
development is in progress For obvious reasons, invest- 
ment securities are best handled by old and well known 
business men in whom the public have every confidence, 
and it would be difficult to find a num in this Slate to whom 
this description more exactly applies than it does to Jlr. C, 

F. Collins who has been in active business life for nearly 
half a century and is universally known and highly esteemed 
throughout this section. Mr. Collins was in the dry goods 
business from 1845 to 1855, and then went into the drug 
business, tinallj' becoming a banker in 1871. He is a high 
authority on financial matters and has been identified with 
the management of some of the leading banks of this city, 
having been one of tlie organizers of the Central Xational 
Bank and a director there for many years; also one of the 
organizers of the First National Bank and its vice presi- 



dent. Jlr. Collins has also been secretary of the Shalcr & 
Hall Quarry Co. of Portland for fifteen years, in which 
company he is quite a large stockhoMer. Mr. CoUina 
dials in many highly desirable investment securities, such 
as school district bonds, city water bonds, seven jier cent, 
debenture bonds, etc., and is in a position to render mate- 
rial and valuable assistance to those washing to place large 
or small sums of money safely and profitably. He makes 
a specialty of the negotiation of first mortgage real estate 
bonds secured on improved farms in the Western States, 
and paying seven and eight per cent., the principal and 
interest being guaranteed. These are considered by many^ 
competent judges to be the safest investments in this 
country, and the experience of investors certainl}' confirms, 
this highly favorable judgment. Some of the most con- 
servatively managed inslitutions in New England hold 
these securities, and the most careful and exhaustive 
investigation will show that the interests of investors are 
fullj' protected in every way. Mr. Collins has an office at 
No. 184 Main street, and will be happy to give detailed 
information on application, while prompt and painstaking- 
attention will be given to all business placed in his 
hands. 

E. P. Augur, Engineer and Surveyor, 26 Church Street. 
Jliddletown, Conn. — One of the best known professional 
men in Middletown and vicinity is Mr. E. P. Augur, who 
has an ofl-ice at No. 26 Church street. This gentleman- 
was born in Middltfield, and has practiced liis profession 
of engineer and surveyor in this cit}' for about a score of 
years, having been city .surveyor of Middletown sirce- 
1872. He has a most enviable reputation for giving care- 
ful attention to the best interests of his clients, and bis 
work is cliaraclerized by that nice consideration ' f the 
most minute details and that perfect accuracy which are 
so essential to the attainment of entirely s-atisfaclory 
results in such a profession. The general public are 
hardly in a position to really appreciate the imporiance of 
the services rendered by a civil engineer, but it is comp«r- 
atively easy to set a proper value on the work of a sur- 
veyor, foi the paramount importance of liaving the exact 
boundaries of estates, etc., aulhoritativ ely determined is 
apparent to all. Mr. Augur is in a position to exccule- 
commissions at short notice, and city or suburban survey- 
ing will be done at very reasonable rates. 



C. M. NEWTON. 

I>E \LKH IN 

Clothing, Hats, Caps, Gent's Fur- 
nishing Goods, etc. 

21-q- TV^HIN STREET, - 7V^ I OD I- ETOLni N. 



This is a very old stand, but were its age its only recom- 
mendation we woidd not take up the lime of our readers 
in writing about it, for this book has to do with tlie live 
concerns of lo.day and not with the rtlics of a bye gone 
period. But Mr. Newton docs not de[>cnd upon the p.Hst 
to distinguish his establishment ; on the contrary he is 
fully alive to the demands of the present day and offers 
inducements to jnirchasers of clothing, gentlemen's fur- 
nishings, etc. The store contains a stock which must 
truly be seen to be appreciated, for it includes nothing but 
fresh, seasonable and fashionable goods selected expressly 
for city trade and sure to give satisfaction to the most 
critical. The prices, too, are "right" in every respect, 
and not the least commendable feature of the management 
is the prompt and polite attention assured to every caller. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLETOWN. 



35 



The Foster Brothers Co., manufacturers of Padlocks and 

Small Hardware, Elm St., foot of Court, Middletown, Ct. 
— Among the various manufacturing enterprises which are 
the chief cause of Middletowu's present prosperity, men- 
tion should be made of that conducted by the Foster 
Brothers Company, manufacturers of some thirty five 
styles of padlocks and other small hardware. It was 
founded in 1878 by the Hedges Hardware Company, and 
has been carried on under the existing style since 1S85. 
The gentlemen most prominently identified with its man- 
agement are Messrs. E. R. Foster and C. A. Pelton, the 
former being a native of New York, and the latter of Mid- 
dletown, Conn. Mr. Pelton has served on the common 
council and held various local offices, and both he and Mr. 
Foster are well known in Jliddletown and vicinity. Tlie 
company's productions are favorabi}' known to the trade, as 
they give the best of satisfaction to consumers and arc 
profitable to handle. The factory is located on Elm street, 
at the foot of Court street, the premises comprising two 
floors of the dimensions of 25x75 feet, exclusive of two 
ells. A well-arranged plant of improved machinery is 
utilized and employment is given to fifteen experienced 
assistants, the company being in a position to fill all orders 
promptly and to quote low prices on all the articles manu- 
factured. 

Dale D. Butler, General Insurance, office 130 JIain 
Street, Middletown, Conn. — No branch of business in this 



city or elsewhere has passed through more changes during 
the last few years than the one now conducted by Dale D. 
Butler. Although one of the youngest business men in 
Middletown, Mr. Butler's position is one of the oldest 
eslablifhed and most widely known in the State of Con- 
necticut. Maintained successively by E. M. Taintor, F. 
E. Camp and A. G. Butler, ilr. Dale D. Butler has suc- 
ceeded to all the business of his predecessors, and repre- 
sents as well the People's Fire Insurance Co. Mr. Butler 
commenced business for himself some four years ago as 
representative of seven companies. His transactions were 
eminently successful, and his business during this re- 
markably short time has grown to such an extent that 
he now represents twenty five stock fire companies and 
various life, accident and marine insurance companies. 
Mr. Butler has unequalled facilities for placing lines in any 
company that may be preferred by his patrons, and for 
any amount. As may be imagined, this gentleman is 
thoroughly well informed on insurance matters of every 
kind, and it is a matter of fact that he issues more fire, 
life, marine and accident policies than any other agents 
in Jliddlesex county. Mr. Butler's office is centrally 
located at 139 Main street. Here, any information relat- 
ing to the intricacies of insurance matters wdl be cheer- 
fully and courteously given, and we are confident our 
readers will have reason to thank us for calling their atten- 
tion and that of the public to this well-equipped and 
popular agency. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PORTLAND. CONN. 



No settlement was attempted in Portland until some time after the colonists establisbed 
themselves in Middletown and Cromwell. 'J'liis was probably on account of the danger of attack from 
the Indians, and the diflSculty of obtaining aid from the colonists across the river. The first settlers 
who came to Portland were James Stanclifif, John Gill and William Cornwall, about the year 1090. 

In 1741, a petition signed by thirty-one per.sons, was sent to the General Court, asking for parish 
privileges. This was granted, and the parish was named East Middletown, which name it retained 
until its incorporation with Middle Haddam and East Hampton as a town by the name of Chatham. 
This latter name was chosen on account of the importance of its ship-building, which industry 
engrossed the people more and more as time passed on, and in allusion to the town of Chatham in 
England. 

The first vessel built in this place was a schooner of ninety tons, built at Lewis' yard and 
launched in October, 1741. During the Revolution, many war vessels were built here at the different 
yards, including the Trumbull, Sourhon, Connecticut, Holker, Macedonian, Saranas and Boxer. The 
Holker was built in 1813, and was driven ashore by the English at Narragansett and lost. Another 
vessel of the same name was built the following year, which was cast away in a storm on the coast of 
Long Island. No vessels of war have been built in Portland since 1S15, nor any ships of equal 
tonnage. 

In 1836, William and Joseph J. Hendly and Alexander Keith of Middletown, and S. Gildersleeve 
of Portland, built the schooner William Bryan, which was the first vessel that ever sailed as a 
regular packet from New York to Texas. From that vessel has arisen the New York & Galveston 
Line, which now runs regularly between these ports. 

For a long time there were no merchants, stores or manufactures in Portland, the people resorting 
to Middletown for their necessities, but as quarrying assumed greater importance, other business 
interests likewise increased. This quarrying had excited more or less attention from the time of the 
first settlement of Middletown, but ship-building then almost entirely engrossed the minds of the 
inhabitants, when, after a time, the richness of these quarries was recognized, the name of Chatham 
was ch.anged to Portland, from Portland, England, from where immense quantities of free stone is 




i'llE CoNNECTlCtl briCAM IJKOWX SXOXE \N OKKb, i'dllLAND. 

E. I. Bell, I'roprietor. (See page 41). 

transported to London and other parts of the country. At first only the stone which had broken off 
from the cliffs was used. These pieces were sought for building purposes and for grave stones, not 
only by Middletown people, but by those from other places. Strangers took them as common 
property and without paying for them, so that in 1065 a law was passed " that no one should dig or 
raise stones, at the Rocks, on the east side of the river, but an inhabitant of the town, and that twelve 
pence should be paid to the town, for every ton of stone takeiL" Soon after this, the stone was 



HI8T0BICAL SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 



37 




The Shaler & Hall Quarry, Portland, Conn. (See jiage 3'.i). 

coiisiilerably sought after and was found valuable for its durability, and for tlie fine polish it takes. 

The stone is generally found in layers, from 2 to 18 feet in thickness, varying from 20 to 100 feet in 

width, and from 50 to 150 feet 
in length. 

Calls are perpetually being 
made for this stone, from dif- 
ferent parts of the country, to 
be used for large public and 
private buildings, or for the 
fronts and ornamental parts of 
houses and stores. New York, 
Albany, Philadelphia and Bos- 
ton have been the i)rincipal 
markets, but this stone has 
also been carried to Milwaukee, 
San Francisco and other distant 
places. It is generally trans- 
ported by water, the facilities 
being very great for vessels to 
draw up at wharves at the foot 
of the quarries, where they can 
TiiK Connecticut Steam Bkown Stone Works, Portland. be laden with comparative ease. 

E. I. Bell. Proprietor. (See page 41). Powerful steam engines are 




38 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PORTLAND. 



used for raising the stone, and for ])umping out the water which accumulates in the pits. The quarries 
promise to be a mine of wealth to the inhabitants for many years to come. 

The people of Portland joined in the different wars with the other Connecticut troops. Many of 
them held high military positions ; Col. Blague was a Continental officer, and commanded a company 
in the battle of Saratoga. It is said that on one occasion General Lafayette presented him with a 
beautiful sword, in the presence of General Washington. 

A curious pond, called Job's Pond, because it is on land formerly owned by Job Payne, is a point 
of interest and wonder in Portland. It is about two miles in circumference, forty to sixty feet deep, 
and has no outlet. It rises and falls as much as fifteen feet, but not from the ordinary causes that 
affect other ponds, for it is often the highest in the dryest season of the year, and lowest in the wet 
season. When it begins lo rise, it rises regularly for six or twelve months, and then falls for about 
the same period. The reason of this curious phenomenon still remains a mystery. 

The situation of Portland is very fine. It is directly opposite Middletown, on the east side of the 
river, and like that city enjoys an extended and very beautiful view in either direction. There are 
many fine residences and churches, the streets are broad, picturesque and shaded by enormous trees, 
and for those who are fond of the country, the drives in the vicinity form a never failing source of 
enjoyment. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF PORTLAND, CONN. 



The Middlesex Q-aarry Company, established in 1665, 
Portland, Conn. — The many advantages which Connecti- 
cut brown stone possesses as a building material are so 
generally known tbat detailed mention of Ibem is alto- 
gether unnecessary, and thai some of them at least were 
appreciated at a very early date in the history of this 
country, is sliown by the fact that the business now car- 
ried on by the Middlesex Quarry Company was established 
away back in 1065. The existing company was organized 
almost half a century ago, it having been incorporated in 
1841. and as the demand for Connecticut brown stone 
increases with the growth of the country in wealth and 
culture, it would be a bold man who would set a bound to 
the development of the great enterprise this companj- car- 
ries on. It has alreadj' attained enormous magnitude, the 
present production averaging about 350,000 feet per 
annum. As may readily be imagined, the plant in use is 
very extensive, including among other tilings thirteen 
steam boilers and engines, ten buildings, three miles of 
railroad track, two locomotives, twenty horses and thirty 
yoke of oxen. The premises owned by the company have 
an area of between 75 and 100 acres, and have a river 
frontage of about 4000 feet. Most of the product is 
shipped by t)oat but many large orders are shipped 1)}' rail, 
including all those bound for Chicago and points farther 
west. Employment is given to 312 men, and the quarry- 
ing, dressing and shipping facilities are such as to put the 
company in a position not only to fill the very heaviest 
orders without delay but to quote the lowest market rates 
at all times. The material taken from these quarries is 
remarkable even among Connecticut brown stone for 
beauty and uniformity of coloring, fineness of grain, ease 
of working and ability to resist the most severe climate, 
and what is thought of it by the most eminent architects 
and builders throughout tlie country may best be learned 
from a reading of the following list of some of the more 
prominent buildings in the construction of which it has 
been used : Wm. 11. Vanderbilt, Frederick Gallatin. 
Messrs. Twombly & Webb. Wm, H, Fogg. R. S. Stewart, 
David Dows, Jr., Astor Library, Cooper Union Institute, 
Union Club and Hotel Normandy, New York City ; H. B. 
Claflin, Brooklyn, N. Y. : Union League Club, Philadel- 
phia, Pa.: Geo, H. Corliss, Providence, R, I.; Geo, M. 
Pullman. II, H. Porter. B, P, Moulton and J, B. Farwell. 
Chicago, III. ; Jas. C. Flood, San Francisco, Cal. ; Standard 
Life Insurance, Montreal, Qc. ; Western Assurance Co. 
and Canadian Bank of Commerce, Toronto, Ont. ; Canada 
Life Insiirance. Hamilton. Ont, : United Stales Post Office, 
Rochester, N. Y : Mu.sic Hall, Buffalo, N Y. ; .i;tna Fire 



Insurance and Soldiers' Memorial, Hartford, Conn. 
United Stales Post Office, Middletown, Conn., and United 
States Post Oflice and Custom House, Bridgeport, Conn. 
The company is prepared to contract to furnish brown 
stone in any desired quantity, the quality to be equal to a 
fixed standard and the time of delivery to be definitely 
agreed upon. The various departments of the business 
are thoroughly systematized and the service is prompt and 
reliable in the fullest sense of the words. The officers are 
as follows : President, Henry Gildersleeve ; secretary and 
treasurer, Charles A, Jarvis ; agent, F. W. Russell ; assist- 
ant agent, H. A, Cornwall. 

Report by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co. 
of tests of the resistance of Portland Stone to gradually 
applied pressure. The specimens, four in number, in the 
form of nearly cubical blocks about one and one-half inch 
square, were received April 12, 1880, from the Middlesex 
Quarry Company and tested for them. The pressures 
were applied through steel plates in contact with those 
surfaces of the block which were parallel to the natural 
bed of the stone. Except in the case of the specimens of 
grade No, 1, the stone surfaces were not flat and did not 
present a full bearing to the pressure plates ; consequently 
the full strength of the stones of grades 2, 3, and 4, is not 
given by these tests. The results of the tests are given in 
the following table in which dimensions are stated in 
inches, areas in square inches and pressures and resist- 
ances in pounds. 

TABLE OF RESULTS. 



Test number of the specimene 


1070 


1078 


1073 


1074 




No. 1. 


No. 2. 


No. 3. 


No. 4. 






Dimensions of the horizontal cross 1 
section of the specimen ,. ( 


1.57 
1^61 


1.52 
s 
1.66 


1.54 
1.GG 


1.54 

X 

1.56 


Area of cross section „ 


S,53 


8.87 


2.4 


8.4 


Height of tlie specimens 


1.5 


1..7 


1.6 


1.62 


Pressure which produced crushing. 


27,631 


24,454 


19,689 


15,170 


Resistance to crushing per square i 
inch, cross section f 


10,928 


10,328 


8,252 


6,322 



Office of Colt's Patent Fiue Arms Mfg. Co., J 
HAiiTPOiiD, April 13, 1880, f 
C. B, RicnAiiDS, Engineer. 
W. B, FuANKUN, Vice President, Qcntml Agent. 



LEADISO BUSINESS MEN OF PORTLAND, CONN. 



39 



The Shaler <& Hall Quarry Company, Brown Stone, 
for Stores, Dwellings, Public BuiUliugs, Monuments, etc., 
furnished to Order, and Shipped to all parts of the United 
States ; also Stone suitable for Hough, Tooled or Ham- 
mered Work with Rubble and Junk Stone for Churches, 
Depots, Forts, Wharves, Bridges, etc., etc. O. W. Mack, 
Agent ; W. H. Edwards, Secretary and Treasurer. Port- 
land, Jliddlesex Count}-, Conn. — Connecticut brown stone 
is known in ever_v section of the country, and the best 
possible evidence of its superiority is that afforded by the 
steadily increasing demand for it from year to year. A 
very large amount of capital is invested in quarrying facil- 
ities in Portland and vicinity, and one of the most exten- 
sive and complete of these plants is that owned b}- the 
Shaler & Hall Quarry Company, which was incorporated 
in 1859, tlie business with which it is identified liaving 
been founded in 1844. Some of the most prominent busi- 
ness men in Connecticut are interested in this representa- 
tive concern, the president being Mr. J. H. Hall of Hart- 
ford, whi'e Mr. W. 11. Edwards acts as secretary and 
treasurer, and Mr. O. W. Mack as agent. The company 
has built up a most enviable reputation for promptness 
and accuracy in the filling of orders, and no trouble is 
■spared to fully maintain this reputation in every respect, 
"Very extensive and complete facilities being available, and 
brown stone for stores, dwellings, public buildings, monu- 
ments, etc., being furnished to order and shipped to all 
parts of the United States, together with stone suitable for 
rough, tooled or hammered work, with rubble and junk 
stone for churches, depots, forts, wharves, bridges, etc. 
The area of the premises is about forty acres, and thereon 
«re ten buildings of various sizes, including an office build- 
ing measuring 25 X 40 feet. Connection is had with the 
Air Line railroad by a track a mile long owned by the 
■company, which also owns all necessary locomotives, 
dumping-cars, etc. There are nine steam engines utilized 
for hoisting purposes, and employment is given to oOO 
men, who are aided by fifteen horses and twenty-five yoke 
■of oxen. The premises have a river frontage of nearly 
■2000 feet, and all necessary facilities are provided for load- 
ing boats, the larger proportion of the product being 
shipped in this way. Ever)' order is assured immediate 
and careful attention, and it is si;arcely necessary to add 
that the company is in a position to quote the lowest mar- 
ket rates on all its products and to faithfully carry out 
both the letter and the spirit of its agreements. 

W. G. Spencer, dealer in Furniture, Paints, Paper 
Hangings, Oil Cloths, Hardware, Toys, etc., 56 Main St, 
Portland, Conn. — .Mr. Spencer certainly ought to l)e a good 
judge of the several commodities which he handles, for he 
has been the proprietor of this establishment since 18G5. 
His store is very largely patronized, and his customers 
«peak in the highest terms of the uniform reliability of the 
articles obtained here. Mr. Spencer is a native of Saybrook, 
and has many friends here, he was a selectman for 1880-8. 
The premises occupied are located at No. 50 Main street, 
and comprise two floors each 40 X 75 feet in dimensions. 
The stock of furniture will be appreciated by those who 
have had experience in once furnishing their own homes, 
for its variety and good quality and style. The paints and 
paper hangings are sold in quantities to suit at low market 
rates, and the articles handled bj' Mr. Spencer are obtained 
from the most reputable manufacturers and will give satis- 
factory results, if properly used. His stock of oil-cloths, 
hardware, toys, etc.. comprise a great variety of every- 
thing which can be classed under this head, and they will 
bear comparison in quality and price with those offered 
by any other dealer in this line of goods. Mr. Spencer 
gives employment to three well-informed and competent 
assistants who are prompt in their attentions to all cus- 
tomers. Goods are cheerfully shown and all orders are 
■carefully and promptly delivered. Mr. Spencer also does 
■quite an extensive undertaking business and in which 
■capacity he has served the people upwards of twenty-five 
years 



The First National Bank, Portland, Conn.— The First 
National Bank of Portland has been in operation just 
about a quarter of a century, it having been incorporated 
in 1865. During this period the manufactures and com- 
merce of Portland and vicinity have rapidly and steadily 
developed, and although it would be absurd to say that 
this development has been brought about by anyone cause 
or by any institution, still there can be no reasonable 
doubt but that it has been materially aided by the excel- 
lent service afforded by the bank in question, and by the 
confidence which the honorable and enterprising methods 
employed in its management have inspired. Enjoying 
favorable relations with other financial institutions 
throughout the country, the First National is excellently 
equipped to facilitate exchange, to undertake tlie collec- 
tion of drafts, and to discharge the various responsible 
duties incidental to the carrying on of a general banking 
business, and the fidelity and despatch with which all 
commissions are executed have so highly commended the 
institution to those profiling by the service rendered that 
it has long ranked with the most popular banks in this 
section of the State. The discounting of approved com- 
mercial paper is one of the most important departments of 
its business, and as the management is made up of men 
Ihoroughlj' conversant with the standing of local enter- 
prises the bink is in a position to offer needed accommo- 
dation without danger to its own interests. The accounts 
of corporations, institutions, business firms, and individ- 
uals are solicited and every depositor may depeud upon 
receiving prompt and reliable service, and having his 
interests carefully and intelligently protected. The large 
sum now held on deposit shows that the facilities are 
appreciated and availed of, and the conservative character 
of the manaaement is indicated by the existence of a sur- 
plus of ISO.'OOO, the bank having a capital of $150,000. 
The banking rooms are conveniently located, and all nee- 
e3.sary facilities are at hand to ensure the prompt and 
accurate transaction of business, employment being 
afforded to four assistants and callers bemg given imme- 
diate and careful attention. 51r. Henry Gildersleeve is 
president of the bank, and Mr. Jno. H. Sage, cashier, these 
gentlemen being associated on the board of directors with 
other well-known and representative business men. 

Ahlquist & Allison, dealers in Groceries, Provisions, 
Flour, Meal, Feed. Crockery, Glassware, Teas, Coffees, 
Spices, etc., etc. Agents for Steamship Lines. 46 Main 
Street, Portland, Conn. — The retail grocery establishments 
of Portland will compare very favorably as a whole with 
those of any community in the State, and by no means the 
least deserving of them is that conducted by Messrs. Ahl- 
quist & Allison, on Main street, for this is a fully stocked 
and excellently managed grocery store and has fairly won 
the high degree of popularity it has attained. These gen- 
tlemen are both natives of Sweden and they have become 
well known in this line of business, having founded this 
enterprise in 1885. They pay especial attention to family 
trade and their stock is chosen especially for the accom- 
modation of this class of cnstmners, being entirely made 
up of goods that can be confidently guaranteed to prove as 
represented. It comprises groceries, provisions, flour, 
meal, feed, crockery, glassware, teas, coffees, spices, etc., 
etc., as well as a full line of canned goods, put up by the 
most reliable packers and warranted pure and wholesome 
in every respect. There is a regidar market price for 
really dependable groceries, and it would be absurd to 
assert that this firm is in a position to sell lower than 
everybody else, but it is the simple truth that they quote 
rates as low as tlie lowest, quality considered, and the 
most experienced buyers, after noting their goods and 
prices, will agree with us that at no retail grocery in town 
will a dollar go farther in the purchase of first-class goods. 
The premises occupied comprise two floors each 20x50 
feet in dimensions. Employment is afforded to five assist- 
ants and all orders will receive prompt and accurate atten- 
tion. These gentlemen are also agents for steamship lines 



40 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF PORTLAND, CONN. 



The Connecticut Steam Brown Stone Works, E. I. 
Be. I, proprietor. Contracts for Brown Stone Solicited. 
Telephone. P. O. Bo.x 500. Porllanii, Conn.— One of 
the most prosperous and representative of Portland's 
variovis industrial enterprises is the Connecticut Steam 
Brown Stone Works which have been carried on by Mr. 
E. I. i?ell since 1884. This gentleman is a native of Port- 
land and is very widely known both in business and social 
circles, he now occupying the position of State representa- 
tive. The works are very conveniently located as regards 
the handling of material, the premises utilized having a 
river frontage of 350 feet and being connected by a spur 
track with the Air Line railroad. The equipment is first- 
class in every respect and is very extensive and well 
arranged, there being two separate and complete manufac- 
turing plants in operation, including two steam-engines of 
120-horse power. Three buildings are utilized, their 
respective dimensions being 100x50, 80x40 and 80x30 
feet, and no faciliiy is lacking to enable the most exten- 
sive orders to be filled at short notice and in a thoroughly 
satisfactory manner, employment being given to sixty- 
three assi.stniits and every department of the business 
being carried on under skillful and careful supervision. 
Mr. Bell solicits conlmcts for brown stone, and is in a 
position to figure very closely and to deliver goods 
promptly when promised. Estimates will cheerfully be 
furnished on application, and as the works have telephone 
connection communication is easy from any point in this 
vicinity. Letters should be addressed to P. O. Box 500, 
and will be given immediate and careful attention. 



- J McDonald & Son, Fine Groceries, Provision.*, Boots, 
Shoes, Crockery. Wooden Ware, etc., Portland, Conn.— 
There are of course many establishments in this town 
devoted to the sale of groceries, etc., and the task of 
selecting those trulj' representative in ilieir character for 
mention in these columns i.s not by nny nn-ans so easy as 
may at first appear A representative store is not neces- 
8aril_v a large and pretentious one, and, indi-ed, some of 
the most preleiitioui establislunenis in Pirlland are not 
representative in the slightest degree. But we have no 
hesitation in calling attention to the enterprise conducted 
by Mr. J. McDonald it Son, for the policy followed by 
them is repre.senlalive of what is best in modern business 
methods, and highly eonmiends their store to all discrimi- 
nating purchasers. They offer a very carefully chosen 
stock of fine groceries, provisions, biiots, shoes, crockery, 
wooden ware, etc., and quote prices which prove car( ful 
buying and a disposition to be content with a very small 
mari^in ol profit. Ever5- article sold here is guaranteed to 
prove precisely as represented, and the assortment is 
varied enough to allow of all tastes being suited. The 
premises made use of comprise a store 20 x 00 feet in 
dimensions, beside room for storage 20 X 30 feet in size. 



Miss N. McDonald, Dry and Fancy Goods and Milli- 
nery, Main Street, I'ortland. Conn. — There are quite a 
number of stores devoted to the sale of dry and fancy 
goods and millinery, and this one has been known since 
1882, for it was then that Miss McDonald s'arted this bus- 
iness here. The premises occupied are 30x30 feet in 
dimensions, and always contain an attractive assortment 
of staple articles, as well as a tastefully chosen slock of 
fashionable novelties in the fancy goods department. 
which is composed of small wares too numerous lo men- 
tion here. Miss McDonald devotes her especial attention 
to the millinery department, and can show a good assort- 
ment of hats and bonnets both trimmed and imlritnmcd,, 
also a large variety of materials from which to i-elect for 
order work. Miss McDonald is a native of Portland and 
she has succeeded in obtaining a good share of the custom 
of this neighborhood. She gives emploj-nient to two com- 
petent assistants who are courteous and prompt in their 
service to all. Everj' effort is made lo suit all la'tes, and 
all orders are filled at short notice. 



Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, Conn. — "Habit is^ 
second nature," according to a familiar saying, and some 
philosopher has staled that "man is a bundle of habits."" 
Observation confirms the truth of both these sayings, and 
the wise man is he who, having discovered a truth, utilizes 
it in his course of conduct. It is comparatively easy to 
form good habits if one sets about it in the right way, and 
once formed, all difficulty is at an end for persistence in 
them becomes mechanical. There for instance is the habit 
of saving money — one of the most valuable habits any 
young man can have, for it encourages industry, engenders 
self respect and cultivates an honorable and inspiring 
ambition. As long as a man is making systematic deposits 
in a savings bank you maj' be reasonably sure that he 
has little to be ashamed of in his ways of life, and you 
may also be sure that he is going to " rise in the world " 
when opportunity offers. It makes no difference how 
small his savings may be, — it is the pluck and good sense 
that enable him to save at all. thHt single him out from his 
fellows, and as his earnings increase his savings will 
increase also. And don't worry about his happiness. 
Probably he is working hard and not spendini; much for- 
amusemenl, but the chances are one hundred lo one 
that he is happier and more contented than though he- 
were earning double the mone}' and spending as fa>t 
or faster than he received it. Compare those who- 
deposit their surplus earnings in the Freestone Savines 
Bank with their fellow workmen who "spend as they- 
go," and see which class is the more intelligent, Ihe more- 
happy and the more respicted — and then apply the lesson 
to your own case. Since the orcanizntion of this bank in. 
1865, it has done a noble work, and today is as efficient, 
an aid to good citizenship as can be found in the State. 
By affording a secure place of deposit for small sums and 
paying a fair rate of interest on them it does much to 
encourage saving habits, and the people have excellent 
reason for Ihe confidence and esti em with which they 
regard this worthy institution. lis affairs are skillfully- 
and conservatively managed and its financial condition is. 
beyond criticism, the funds being safely and profitably 
invested and there bein<r a surplus over all liabilities of 
$14,000. The deposits ainount to $330,000 and are steadily 
incrcHsing, there being many residents of Portland and; 
vicinity who appreciiite the advantages of having some- 
thimr laid by lor a " rainy day," and know that money 
entrusted to this representative bank is as safe as it pos- 
sibly can be. The president is Jlr. F. Gildersleeve, and' 
the treitsurer is Jlr. Jno. H. Sage, they being assisted in 
the management of affairs by other well-known business 
men. 

O. E. Blodgett, dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals 
antl F.incy Goods, Portland, Conn. — Among the many 
attractive business enterprises of Portland none are more- 
deserving of notice than the ab ive named store, which is. 
an old establishment, situated in a good location, having 
been founded by the present proprietor in 1870, and which 
has gained an enviable position in the trade. The prem- 
ises occupied are 20 x 56 feet in dimensions, they are 
nicely filled up and convenient, the stock embraces a full 
and complete line of drugs, chemicals, medicines and 
fancy goods, together with an assortment of such special- 
ties as are usually to be found in a first-class pharnmoy. 
The display of case goods ami the many fancy ariicles 
rival those shown by many of his competitors, and the 
prescription department is conducted with a skill and 
intelligence which has given the house an enviable rcpnta- 
tion in this vicinity. Among the many useful and highly 
recommended preparations, which he carries, special men- 
tion is made of Blodgell's Celebrated Witch Hazel Cream. 
A full line of cigars, tobacco, and confectioner}- may also- 
lie found here. Jlr C. E. Bl"<lgett, who w^ born in 
Stafford, Conn., is well and favorably known 'i"l>i(i '..vfi)^ 
and is a director in the First National Ban! ' 
vices of two efl3cient and thoroughly compete! 
are secured, and every effort is made to give i 
accurate attention lo every customer. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF PORTLAND, CONN. 



41 



The Brainerd Quarry Co., Connecticut Brown Stone, 
Building and Mouuiiient Stone of anj' size, and in any 
quantity, I'urnislied to order. Good Coarse Stone, suitable 
for Churches, Bridges. Docks, Piers, etc. Also Rubble or 
Wall Stone. Vessels always in readiness at the Quarry. 
Portland, Conn. — Stone has been taken from the quarries 
now controlled by the Brainerd Quarry Company for 22,5 
years, so that the extensive business now carried on by tlie 
concern in question may be said to have been founded in 
1665. Many other deposits of brown stone have been dis- 
covered since that date, but the comparative position now 
held by that quarried by this company is indicated by the 
award decreed b}' the United States Centennial Commis- 
sion, December 4, 1876, "for the good color, uniform 
texture, and durability of the Connecticut Brown Stone 
from tlie Portland quarries." The Brainerd t^uarry Com- 
pany was incorporated in 1S79, the president being Jlr. E. 
Brainerd, and the secretary and treasurer, Mr. Lelloy 
Brainerd. Both these gentlemen are natives of Portland, 
and are so generally known in business and social circles 
as to make txtendeil personal mention entirely unnecessary, 
The company utilize premi-ses having an area of about 
fifty acres and a river frontage ot 2000 feet. Fifteen ves- 
sels of from 1.50 to 400 tons burden are required to trans- 
port the product during the working season, the shipping 
facilities being so extensive as to admit of the loading of 
from three to four vessels per day. The qnarrying facil- 
ities are on an equally large scale, six engines being used 
for drilling, etc., and employment being given to 300 men, 
aided by thirty-four horses and fort}' yoke of oxen. The 
company are prepared to furnish Connecticut Brown 
Stone for all purposes in quantities to suit, including build- 
ing and monument stone of any size, and good coarse stone, 
suitable for churches, bridges, docks, piers, etc. Rubble 
or wall stone will also be supplied at tlie lowest market 
rates, and as the productive facilities are ample, and ves- 
sels are always in readiness at the quarry the largest 
orders can be filled at short notice. 

Strong & Hale, dealers in Lumber and Builders' Mate- 
rials, a Complete Stock of Builders' Hardware, Oils, Var- 
nishes, Turpentine and Colors, Lime, Cement and Hair, 
Doors, Sash, Blinds, etc.. South End Main Street, Adjoin- 
ing Ferry, Portland, Conn. — The establishment conducted 
by Messrs. Strong «& Hale is the only one of tlie kind in 
town, but should such of our readers as are not familiar 
with Portland and vicinity conclude from this that the 
residents of that section did not enjoy equal advantages in 
the purchase of building materials witli other communities 
tbey would make a great mistake, for the firm in question 
carry an extremely heavy and varied stock, fill orders 
accurately and promptly and quote bottom prices on all 
the many commodities in which they deal. This business 
bas been carried on for more than a score of years, it hav- 
ing been founded in 1869 by Messrs. Taylor & Hale, who 
were succeeded in 1871 by Messrs. Taylor ct Strong, the 
present firm assuming control in 1873. The partners are 
Messrs. E. B. Strong and A. H. Hale, both of whom are 
natives of Portland. The premises made use of have an 
area of one and a balf acres and are located at the south 
end of Main street, next to tlie ferry. There are several 
buildings utilized for sale and storage purposes, the largest 
containing two fioors of the dimensii ns of 30x40 feet. 
As before remarked, the stock on band is exceptionally 
large and varied, and as Messrs. Strong & Halo do both a 
wholesale and retail business, they are prepared to fill the 
heaviest orders without delay and to give the smallest 
orders prompt and careful attention. Among the most 
important commodities dealt in may be mentioned lumber 
and builders' materials, including a complete line of build(^rs' 
hardware, oils, varnislu-s, turpentine and colors, lime, 
cement and hair, doors, sash, blinds, etc. Special induce- 
ments are ottered to parties ordering by the car load, and 
in every department of the business the firm are well pre- 
pared to 8U<-cessfully meet all honorable competition, both 
as regards (luality of the goods and lowuess of the prices 
quoted. 



Geo. W. Iiord, The Portland Pharmacy, Portland, 
Conn. — " The Portland Pharmacy " has gained a substan- 
tial position among the first-class prescription drug stores^ 
located in this neighborhood. Mr. Geo. VV. Lord who is 
a native of Coventry. Conn., began operations here in 
1886, and his record from the first has been such as to 
inspire confidence in the method of the management. A 
very complete stock of drugs, medicines and chemicals is 
carried, and the most approved facilities are at hand lor 
the compounding of physicians' prescriptions, to which 
particular attention is given. Absolute accurac}' is ensured 
by the carefully considered s)'stem employed, and orders 
are filled at short notice, as well as at uniformly moderate 
rates. The premises are 20 X 35 feet in dimensions and 
contain a good assortment of such goods as are generally 
found in a first-class family drug store. One competent 
and careful assistant i.s employed and prompt and courte- 
ous attention is extended to all. Mr. Loid puts up for 
wholesale and retail trade the famed " Cherry-Rock Cough 
Syrup," which is unsurpassed for coughs, colds, hoarse- 
ness, sore throat, bronchitis, and all disea.'es of the throat 
and lungs. Mr. Lord is doing an extensive business with 
this well tried and valuable article. 

John Sarsfield, dealer in House Furnishing Goods. 
Paints and Oil ; Wall Paper. Oil Cloth, etc. Undertaking 
in all its branches. First store south of Edward's Block, 
Portland, Conn. — Although it is unquestionably tiue that 
some men m.iy carry on a certain line of business for 
many years, and si ill be less expert in it than others who 
have had but comparatively limited experience, this does- 
not alter the fact that he who has been longest engaged in 
a certain field of action, is apt to be in a position to offer 
peculiar and decided inducements to patrons. Many 
instances might be brought forward in proof of this, but 
we will simply refer to the advantages held out by Mr. 
John Sarsfield, carrying on (■perations on Main street. 
This gentleman is a native of this town, and having started 
this business here in 1878, he bas become prominent in 
business, as well as in social circles. The premises util- 
ized comprise two floors each 20 X 50 feet in dimensions, 
which are well tilled with house furnishing goods, which 
includes furniture of all styles and all makes, and which 
will suit all tastes and purses. He has a large assortment 
of wall paper and oil cloth of new and desirable designs, 
also paints and oil of a superior quality. He has also on 
hand a good variety of coffins, caskets, etc., and he is 
prepared to attend to any orders for undertaking in all 
its branches, having every modern facility at'hand for 
conducting this business in a satisfactory and thorough 
manner. All orders are assured immediate and carefu) 
attention. Residence over Chas. Reardon's store. Night 
calls promptly attended to by calling at residence. 

William Walsh, dealer in Choice Groceries, Provisions, 
Flour, Jleal aed Feed. A full line of Teas, Coffees and 
Spices. JLarlborough Street, Portland, Conn. — There is a 
proverb to the effect that the only way to make sure that a 
thing is properly done is to do it yourself, and although of 
course such advice is not always practical still there is no 
doubt that it is founded on .sound principles. 1 hose who 
do business with Jlr. William Walsh, on Marlborough 
street, frequently remark upon the promptness, courtesy, 
intelligence and reliability of the service at that popular 
store, and the reason wliy callers are so satisfactorily 
attended to is simpl}' because the proprietor gives personal 
attention to every detail of his business, and hence being 
sure that it will be well d(nie. Mr. WaLsh has carried on 
his present enterprise since 1887. Premises measuring 
40 X 50 feet are utilized, and a heavy and varied stock is 
carried, made u)) of choice groceries, provisions, flour, 
meal and feed. He idso carries a full line of teas, coffees 
and spices. He quotes the lowest market rates on all 
these commotiities, and makes it a point to furnish good.s 
that will give entin; satisfaction. He is rapidly increasing 
hi:< business and fully deserves the success he has thus far 
attained. Employment is afforded to two assistants. 



42 



LEADINO BUSINESS MEN OF PORTLAND, CONN. 



John Brausfield, dealer ia Fine Groceries, Provisions 
and General Mercliandise, ('oal and Wood, Blue Stone 
Flagging and Curbing. Corner Main Street and Air Line 
Avenue, Portland. — The business carried on by Mr. .John 
Hranslield at the corner of Main street and Air Line 
avenue, was founded in 1872 by Messrs. Hransfield & 
Condon, but since 1874 has been under the exclusive con- 
trol of the present proprietor, who is a native of Port 
land, has held various local oflices, and is too well known 
throughout tliis vicinity to make extended personal men- 
tion necessary. The premises utilized have an area of 
three acres, and the main store building has a frontage of 
100 feet and a depth of 60 feet, thus affording ample room 
for the accommodation of a very heavy and varied .stock, 
comprising choice staple and fancy groceries, provisions, 
and a full line of general merchandise. Mr. Bransiield 
also deals largely in coal and wood, and blue stone flag- 
ging and curbing, employing twelve assistants in the 
various departments of his business, and being prepared to 
fill all orders at short notice and to quote prices as low as 
the lowest. lie gives the enterprise careful personal 
supervision and insists upon uniform courtesy being 
shown to every customer, the result being that the estab- 
lishment is popular among both large and small buyers 
and receives an extensive and constantly increasing 
patronage. Of course it would be quite impossible to give 
a detailed description of the stock carried within the lim- 
ited space at our command, so we will simply say that it 
is exceptionally complete in every department, so that all 
tastes and all purses can be suited. It is Mr. Bransfield's 
policy to sell goods strictly on their merits, and every 
article bought of him is gu.aranteed to prove just as repre- 
sented in every respect. In addition to the foregoing 
articles dealt in, Mr. Bransfield sells all kinds of farming 
uteqsils, among which is the famous Buckeye mowing 
machine, Yankee horse rake, Bullard hay-tedder, fer- 
tilizers of all kinds, a specialty being made of Williams, 
Clark & Co.'s high grade bone fertilizers, ground land 
plaster and soluble guano. 



Mrs. M. A. McDonald, dealer in Dry and Fancy 
Goods, Main Street, Portland, Conn. — We have no inten- 
tion of denying that there are many advantages sained by 
patronizing the enormous dry goods stores which have 
come into existence of late years, lor the fact that they are 
supported by the purchasing public shows that some 
inducements are offered at least, hut the same public have 
lately begun to appreciate the fact that a small and well 
managed store may be made more desirable to piitronize 
than these vast establishments to which we have referred. 
Take for instance the store conducted by Mrs. M. A. 
McDonald on Main street, and you find a carefully selected 
and varied stock, comprising the latest fashionable novel- 
ties, complete in every department, and made up of goods 
which are offered at very reasonable rates. Instead of 
wandering about in an immense building, j'ou can sit 
■down in a co.sy store and make your selections with some 
comfort, and the prompt and courteous attention given 
you is of itself something worth having. These points are 
worth considering, and they have caused many people to 
return to their original practice of buying of compara- 
tively small dealers. Mrs. McDonald is a native of this 
town and founded her present business in 1877. The 
premises utilized are 20x30 feet in size. She gives her 
close personal attenticm to this business, and is constantly 
striving to improve the service rendered, and fully deserves 
the success already attained. 

Richard O'Brien, dealer in Groceries, Provisions and 
Ship Stores, Main Street, near Ferrj', Portland, Conn. — 
Considered from some standpoints eleven j'ears is a very 
long time, while from others it seems but a brief period 
after all. But however long or short a time it may seem, 
the fact remains that few business houses attain so high a 
position in the estimation of the public in eleven years as 



has that conducted by Mr. Richard O'Brien. Tliis gentle- 
man is a native of New Haven, and founded this enter- 
prise in 1879 He has resorted to no illegitimate or ques- 
tionable methods to build up his business, but has 
proceeded from the first on the good old fashioned principle 
of giving a dollar's worth for a dollar, and assuring equal 
and equitable treatment to all. 1"he premises utilized are 
25 X 60 feet in dimensions, and the stock on hand is made 
up of groceries, provisions and ship stores, selected espe- 
cially for this trade, and it contains a larae assortment of 
all goods usually found in such establishments. The 
prices quoted on many articles handled are as low as can 
be named hy any dealer in this line of trade. All orders 
are strictly and promptly attended to at short notice. 



James Laverty, wholesale dealer in Wines, Liquors, 
Ales, Cigars, etc., Portland, Conn — The establishment 
conducted by Mr. James Laverty on Main street is one of 
the best equipped and best known in this section of the 
Stale. Tlie proprietor is an old resident of Portland, and 
in his case extended personal mention is quite unnecessary, 
for he has a very large circle of friends throughout this 
vicinity and has long been regarded as one of our most 
enterprising and truly representative business men. The 
premises utilized by him have an area of 3200 square feet, 
and contain an exceptionall3' large and complete stock of 
wines, liquors, ales, etc., together with a full assortment 
of foreign and domestic cigars, including many of the 
most popular brands. An extensive wholesale and retail 
business is done, and as employment is given to five com- 
petent assistants, callers are assured prompt and courteous 
attention. Mr. Laverty enjoj-s the most favorable rela- 
tions with producers and is consequently in a position to 
quote low prices on all the articles he handles, and to 
supply goods that will give satisfaction to the most fastid- 
ious. His stock is so varied that all tastes can easily be 
suited, and particular attention is paid to handling wines, 
liquors and cordials especially adapted to medicinal and 
family use. There is an active demand for pure liquors of 
all kinds and the present magnitude of Mr. Laverty's busi- 
ness is due in a great measure to the care he takes to fur- 
nish goods that are positively free from all adulteration. 
A first-class livery is connected with the establishment, 
and good teams may be had at short notice and at very 
reasonable rates. The horses, carriages, etc., are kept ia 
excellent condition and those who enjoy driving but have 
no team of their own, cannot do better than to make fre- 
quent use of the facilities here provided. 

Patrick Sullivan, dealer in Choice Family Groceries, 
Provisions. Wood, Hay and Straw. Boots, Shoes and 
Rubbers, Main Street, near Air Line Avenue, Portland, 
Conn. — The difference between a family grocery and an 
ordinary erocery, has never been satisfactorily explained 
and probablj- never will be. for there are simie things 
which can be appreciated and yet cannot be successfully 
put into words, and this is one of them. The true family 
grocery is carried on with particular regard to the require- 
ments of family trade, the stock being carefully chosen 
and no pains being spared to furnish goods tliat will give 
entire satisfaction. We question if a more perfect type of 
this kind of a grncerj' can be found in this section than 
that of which Mr. Patrick Sullivan is the proprietor, 
located on JIain street, and judging from the extent and 
character of the support given this house there are many 
others holding a similar opinion. Mr. Sullivan founded 
his present enterprise in 1877, and he is extremely well 
known personally in Portland and vicinity. The premises 
made use of are 40 X 25 feet in dimensions besides a store- 
house 30x24 and another 16X18 feet, and contain a large 
and varied slock, comprising choice family groceries, pro- 
visions, wood, liay and straw, boots, shoes and rubbers, 
all these articles being offered at the lowest market rates. 
Mr. Sullivan employs four a.ssistant8 and every order is 
assured immediate and painstaking attention. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD. 43 

P. Mulcahy, dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Flour, founded the business lie now carries on in 1888, and he 
Meal, Feed, \Vooden and Glass Ware and Crocker}', has alreadj* built up a patronage which is bound to con- 
Canned Goods. Teas, Coffees and Spices. Opposite Air tiuue to increase as long as the residents of Portland 
Line Depot, Portland, Conn. — There are very few things appreciate liberal and honorable business methods. This 
in the line of family food supplies which cannot be house caters to all classes of trade and gives as much 
obtained at the establishment conducted by Mr. P. Mul- attention to small as to large customers, the result being 
•cahy, for he deals in groceries, provisions, flour, meal, that this store is one of the most popular of its kind in this 
feed, teas, coffees and spices. He also carries a full line section. Orders are promptly and accurately filled, and 
•of canned goods, and a large assortment of wooden and the buyer has the satisfaction of knowing that he will get 
glass ware and crockery. He keeps his assortment com- full value for every penny that he pays out. The premises, 
plete in every department and while sparing no pains to which are located opposite the Air Line Depot, comprise 
handle goods that will suit all, he quotes prices tiiat will two floors each 40x60 feet in dimensions. Employment 
satisfy the most economically disposed. Mr. Mulcahy is given to two capable assistants. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MIDDLEFIELD, CONN, 

(ROCKFALL AND BAILEYVILLE) 



The first settlers located in Middlefield about the year 1700, and when the society was 
incorporated in October, 17-t4, there were more than fifty families within its limits, tlie aggregate list 
of whose property exceeded £3,000, so that Middlefield early proved an attractive place. Almost all 
these people were farmers, and from this time the population did not vary greatly for many years. 
Toward the close of the eighteenth century, however, the important water privileges on West River 
and especially on the tributary to this stream, induced numbers to engage here in manufacturing, and 
from that time on the population has been steadily increasing. The people built their first meeting- 
house in 1745, forty feet square. The ancient records of this church are lost, but it was probably 
■organized by the same council that ordained the first pastor, Rev. Ebenezer Gould, October 10, 1747. 
The third minister settled here was Rev. Abner Benedict, a graduate of Yale. lie was an able divine 
and a man of strong affections and while in Middlefield, about the close of the Revolutionary War, 
accomplished, by his address and efforts the freedom of all the slaves held by the people. 

The Methodist Church commenced work here in 1791, and in 1834 built their first church. 

There are two post-offices within the limits of Middlefield — one at Middlefield Center and one at 
Rockfall, which latter village was set off as a separate district of Middlefield in 1832. Here, at Rock- 
fall, was erected a powder mill as early as 1793, and in 1798 a factory for cutting nails, which is 
believed to have been the first instance of nail cutting by machinery in this country. 

The fall is one of the largest and finest waterfalls in Connecticut, and just above it is located a 
large mill of the Russell Manufacturing Co. The river makes a bend here and the volume of light 
green water rushes first over a V-shaped dam, then almost immediately breaks into white foam masses 
on the rocks of the fall, while through the spray and mist below you may see the prismatic colors of 
the rainbow. 

Middlefield was incorporated in 1866, when by act of legislature it was set off from Middletown. 
No alcohol is sold here and since the organization of the town, the municipal and war debts have been 
paid and also a large part of the railroad indebtedness, so that the town is in good financial condition. 
The Air Line railroad runs through it and the place has always been regarded as very healthy, the 
proportion of deaths to population being unusually small. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF MIDDLEFIELD. 



(BAILEYVILLE AND ROCKFALL). 



Chas. P. Burnham, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, 
Kaileyville, Town of Middlefield, Conn. — Allhougli it is 
doubtless true that "smart" nietlioils of doing business 
may be successful for a time, even if they are employed at 
the expense of reliability, still it is undeniable that perma- 
nent success is to be gained but in one waj- — the "old- 
fashioned " methods of giving full value for money 
received. The fact is well worthy of consideration bj' 
young men who contemplate going into business for them- 
selves, and if they want a prominent example practically 
demonstrating its truth, they can find one in the establish- 
ment conducted by Mr. C. P. Burnham for it would not 
be possible to name an enterprise occupying a higher posi- 
'ion in the esteem of the residents of Middlefield and vicin- 
it}'. A heavy stock of general merchandise is constantly 
on hand, comprising choice groceries, provisions, etc., 
also coal, and employment is given to four efficient assist- 
ants, thus assuring prompt attention to every customer. 
Mr. Burnham's long experience and very favorable rela- 
tions with producers, etc., enables him to q\iote the lowest 
market rates in evcrj' department of his business, and the 
surety customers have of getting just what they pay for 
has much to do with the character and extent of the trade 
enjoyed. Mr. Burnlmm lias been identified with his pres- 
ent enterprise since 1884. He is a Connecticut man by 
birth and is universallj' known throughout this section on 
account of his pronounced business ability. 

Otis A. Smith, manufacturer of Revolvers, Bench 
Planes, Carpenters' Tools and Hardware Specialties, Rock- 
fall, Conn. — One of the most thoroughly equipped of the 
many manufacturing establislinients to be found in this 
section of the State is that conducted by Mr. Otis A. 
Smith at Rockfall. This business was founded some 
thirty years ago, and its present magnitude is the legiti- 
mate result of the enterprising and honorable methods 
which have characterized its management from the first. 
for consumers and the trade have long since learned that 
entire dependence can be placed upon Jlr. Smith's produc- 
tions and as a natural consecpience the demand for them is 
constant and steady. The premises occupied comprise 
three floors of the dimensions of (i0x70 feet, and are fitted 
up with improved machinery, driven by water-power. 
Among the most prominent productions may be mentioned 
revolvers, bench planes and carpenters' tools, together 



with a variety of hardware specialties embracing some- 
very useful novelties. The market is so flooded nowa- 
days with cheaply and poorly made revolvers that the 
only way to be sure of getting a reliable and durable 
weapon is to insist upon being supplied with one made by 
some reputable manufacturer, and Mr. Smith has the repu- 
tation of producing revolvers that are unsurpassed for 
accuracy, simplicity and durability. His bench planes 
and carpenters' tools are also thoroughly made from 
selected material and will give the best of satisfaction in 
every instance. Employment is given to forty experienced 
assistants, and the most extensive orders can be filled at 
short notice and at prices as low as the lowest, quality 
considered. 



O. P. Bonfoey, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Rock- 
fall, Conn. — It is true that often what is of great interest 
to one man may have no attraction for another, but there 
are some s-ubjects in which all are interested to a greater 
or less degree, and among these may be placed those relat- 
ing to where reliable goods maj' be bought to the best 
advantage. Therefore we feel sure that our readers will 
not begrudge the time spent in learning a little concerning 
the establishment conducted by Mr. C. P. Bonfoey located 
at Rockfall, near Middlelown. Conn., for this is certainly 
a store where a large stock is carried, a various assortment 
offered, and low jirices quoted. Here is a combination of 
advantages worthy of careful consideration, and we are 
convinced that the more thoroughly the inducements here 
offered are investigated, the more solid and substantial 
they will be provecl. Mr. Bonfoey handles a large assort- 
ment of goods, dealing in choice groceries and provisions. 
His stock is made up of both staple and fancy arlicles, 
and is selected expressly for family use, being obtainetV 
from the most reliable sources. The fact that the prices 
will bear comparison with those of any other dealer in 
this section has a great deal to do with the large retail 
business done. Two competent assistants are constantly 
employed and ensure prompt and civil attention to every 
customer, and it should be especially noted that Mr. Bon- 
foey guarantees every article sold at his establishment tt>- 
prove precisely as represented. He is a native of Connec- 
ticut and is well and favorably known throughout Rock.- 
fall and vicinity. 




Street in Durham Centre, Conn. 



Historical Sketch of Durham Centre, Conn, 



When the towns of iMiddletowu, Haddam, Killingwoith and Guilford were first surveyed, a tract 
-of unclaimed land was discovered, lying between them. After a time this was divided into farms, 
which the colonial legislature presented to distinguished men for special services rendered. This 
^territory was known as Coginchaug, so named by the original owners, the Mattabesett Indians, who 
used it as a hunting-ground. It is traversed by several streams, the principal one being the Cogin- 
chaug or Arawansit, which joins the Little River in Middletown. 

In May, 1699, a petition was sent to the General Court, Pitting in Hartford, requesting that 
Coginchaug might be made a township. This petition was granted, and in 1704 the Indian name was 
changed to Durham, and two years later the first town meeting was held. 

The first ecclesiastical society was formed in 1708, with the Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey as pastor. 

Durham sympathized strongly with the Mother Country during the French War, and sent a 
considerable number of volunteers. Colonel Eliliu Chauncey of this place, commanded a regiment in 
the year 1755, and Major-General Phinehas Lyman, another prominent Durham man, was commander- 
in-chief of the Connecticut troops during a portion of the war. 

Durham also entered into the Revolutionary War with zeal and patriotism. Almost every able- 
bodied man in the town, from the ages of sixteen to sixty, was in the service at one time or another, 
many of them being highly distinguished for their bravery. Among these was James Wadsworth, 
Jr., who was appointed brigadier-general during this war. 

It is said that during tiie Civil War, from 1861 to 1864, Durham was represented in seventeen 
regiments, and paid nearly >«13,000 toward the support of the troops. 

Naturally, the first occupation of the people was agriculture and farming, followed later by the 
■exchange of articles of agricultural produce, for which they received merchandise, sugar, molasses, 
Tum and sometimes negroes, for slaves were owned in Durham,' as in other Connecticut towns. 

Manufacturing has developed more slowly in Durham than in most of the neighboring towns. 
They are still mainly a farming people, with some manufacturing interests. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DURHAM CENTRE, CT. 



Henry Davis, Dr}' Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes, 
Ilardware, Tinware, AgriculUiral Implements and Feed, 
Durham Centre. Conn. — The store (see previous page), 
conducted by Mr. Henry Davis is very popular among the 
residents of this vicinity, and one does not have to seek 
far to find the reasons for this state of affairs, it is evident 
from very little observation that the stock carried is an 
exceptionally complete and desirable one, and the prices 
quoted on the .goods composing it, are of themselves 
enough to ensure its frequent renewal, while the prompt 
and polite attention given to every customer completes the 
favorable impression made by the goods and the prices. 
The establishment in question was inaugu'aled in 1873 by 
II. Davis ifc Co., and so conducted until 1875, when Mr. 
Henry Davis assumed entire management. He is a native 
of Killingworth, Conn., and is verj' well known and 
highly respected in Durham and vicinity. He was State 
Representative in 1878, and has al.so been selectman and 
held other local ofiices. No detailed description of the 
stock carried by Mr. Davis is possible within our limited 
space, but speaking generally, it may be said to be made 
up of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, tin 
ware, agricultural implements and feed. The premises 
utilized are centrally located and comprise two floors each 
24 X 36 feet in dimensions, in addition to a feed room 
16 X 36 feet in size. Three courteous and well informed 
assistants are employed, and all goods sold here are guar- 
anteed to prove just as represented, and no trouble is 
spared to completely satisfy every customer. 

W. A. Parsons & Oo., manufacturers of Stationer's Tin 
Hardware, Cash Boxes, Safe De|)osit Boxes, etc. Special 
Size and Shape Boxes made to order at short notice. Esti- 
mates furnished upon application. Durham Centre, 
Conn. — Many efforts have been made to introduce sub.sti- 
tutes for the tin cash boxes, document boxes, letter and 
billhead boxes, etc., so popular with the business public, 
but no appreciable degree of success has been attained, for 
the simple reason that none of these substitutes possessed 
the good qualities of the articles thej' were intended to 
supersed". The cost of tin bnxps has been considerably 





reduced of late by improved methods of manufacture and 
as a consequence they are now in more active demand than 
ever before. Jtessrs. W. A. Parsons & Co. make a spe- 
cialty of the production of stationers' tin hardware, cash 
bo-xes, safe deposit boxes, etc., and their goods are con- 
ceded to be unsurpassed for strength, convenience and 
neatness. The firm utilize spacious and well-equipped 
premises and employ experienced workmen, being in a 
position to fill orders at short notice and at the lowest 
market rates. Operations were begun in 1884, the part- 
ners being Messrs. W. A. Parsons and George J. Francis, 
both of whom are widelj' known in this vicinity, especially 
the former, who at present holds the position of State 
representative. The firm are prepared to make special 
sizes and shapes to order at short notice, and will promptly 
furnish estimates on application. They do both a retail 
and jobbing business and large and small orders are 
assured equallj' careful attention. 

W. J. Atwell, 
Livery and Feed 
Stable, Durham 
Center, Conn. — 
There's m a n j' a 
cure for disease not 
to be found in any 
apothecarj' store, 
and it may be added 
that the same maj' be said of preventatives of it. Fresh 
air, rapid motion, and the exhilaration attending driving 
are oftentimes more potent than any drugs in straighten- 
ing a man out, and if more frequent use were made of 
them by our overworked business men, some of our physi- 
cians could safely take a holiday. We believe that people 
are beginning to appreciate this fact, and to guide such as 
may feel uncertain as to where they can secure a desirable 
team at a fair rate, we would suggest a visit to the estab- 
lishment of Mr. W. J. Atwell, located in Durham Center. 
Mr. Atwell is possessed of the means to assure his patrons 
the best service in every respect. He takes a pride in fur- 
nishing such horses and carriages as no one need be 
ashamed of, and although he does not pretend to have a 
Maud S. in his stable, still he does strive to furnish good 
roadsters as well as stylish appearing animals. The prem- 
ises in use comprise two floors each 25x30 feet, and ai» 
office building 10x16 feet in dimensions, and offer the best 
of accommodations to horses and the most intelligent care 
is promised. Keasonable rates are adhered to, and .satis- 
faction is assured. Mr. Atwell is a native of this town 
and has been identified with his present enterprise since 
1889. Mr. Atwell is also proprietor of the stage route 
between Durham and Middlefield station, carrying the 
mail and passengers, also express stuff, making two regular 
trips daily. He also makes three regular trips weekly, 
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, to Middletown, doing 
errands and carrying passengers. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF DURHAM, CONN. 



47 



Merriam Mfg. Co., manufacturers of Stationers' Tin 
Goods, Tin Toys, Japanned mid Stamped Tin Ware, 
House Furnisbiug Goods, Toilet Ware, etc , Durljaui, 
Conn. — The business carried on by tlie Merriam Manufact- 
uring Companywas founded nearly forty years ago. the 
company haviug been organized in IS.jl, by Jlessrs. L. T. 
Merriam & Co. of Merideu. and some prominent business 
men of Duriiam. Mv. S. S. Scranton is president of the 
company, and Jlr. Franlc Hubbard is secretary and treas- 
urer. A number of important specialties are manufact- 
ured, such as stationers' tin goods, tin toys, japanned tin 
ware, house furnislnng goods, toilet ware, etc., and tliese 
productions are very generally and favorably known to 
consumers and the trade, they being carefully and strongly 
made and differing widely from much of the tin ware now 
so common in the market. Tlie premises utilized com- 
prise three buildings, connected, one being twostoiies in 
height and 130 X '34 feet in dimensions, another two 
stories Iiigh and 2-i X 70 feet in size, and another one 
story high and measuring 24 X oO feet. Improved ma- 
chinery is used, including a fifty-horse boiler and a fifteen- 
horse engine. Employment is given to from twenty to 
twenty-tive assistants, and the most extensive orders can 
be filled at verj' sliort notice and at low rates. One of the 
most popuhir specialties is tlie Merriam Manufacturing 
(Company's sunli handle cash box. This is made in sizes 
varying from seven to eighteen inches, the iioxes being 
furnished with assorted tumbler locks and beiug substan- 
tially and neatly made in every detail. They are very pop- 
ular among business men and are desirable for any sta- 
tioner to handle, as they sell at a moderate figure and give 
the best of satisfaction. 

S. W. Fowler, dealer in Choice Family Groceries, Teas, 
Coffees, Spices, Drugs and Jledicines. Extract of Witch- 
Hazel by the pint, quart or gallon. Durham Centre, Conn. 
— The vastntss and importance of the grocery trade of 
Connecticut can scarcely be over estimated, and the tot.al 
quantity of these goods retailed in the course of the year 
must be something enormous. Each section of the State 
lias certain houses which are conceded to be leaders in 
their .several lines, and so far as Durham Centre is con- 
cerned, the estiiblisliment conducted by Mr, S. W. Fowler, 
must be given a high position. This enterprise was 
founded in 18^3 by Fowler Brothers, and since issy has 
been under the sole management of its present proprietor. 
Mr. S. W. Fowler, This undertaking has been steadily 
extended since its inception, for the methods practised 
have been at once enterprising and conservative, and such 
as could not fail to inspire confidence and attract jvatron- 
age. An extensive retail business is done, two assistants 
being required to serve the many patrons, and the filling 
of orders, etc. The premises utilized are 26 x 36 feet in 
size and are stocked with a large and varied assortment of 
goods, including choice family groceries, teas, coffees and 
spices : also drugs and medicines. The prices arc very 
reasonable and economy is best served in the long run by 
trading at a representative establishment like this. Mr, 
Fowler, who is a native of Guilford, Conn., is very widely 
known and highly respected in Durham Centre, He was 
State Representative in 1878. and has held various other 
offices in town. He respectfully solicits patronage, and 
assures prompt attention to, and accurate delivery of 
orders as promised. 

M. F. Stanhope, General Family Supply Bazaar, 
Durliam, Conn. — If the word "bazaar" be defined to 
mean an establisliment where goods in great variety are 
sokl at lowest prices we believe that no one familiar with 
the facts would cpiestion the .justice of its ai)plication to 
the emporium conducted liy Air. M. P, Stanhope in Dur- 
ham, under the style of general family supply bazaar. 
This gentleman may be entitled one of tlie leaders in this 



line of trade in Durham, and it would be difficult to find a 
man more thoroughly posted, or one more alive to the 
demands of the times. He Ijegan business in 18^5, and 
during the time since elapsed he has built up a repuiation 
for low prices and fair dealings. He is a native of Provi- 
dence, R, I., and is one of our most widely known local 
merchants. Two floors are occupied, each 20 X 35 fiet 
in dimensions, and a slock is carried which is hard tt> 
parallel elsewhere, either for size or variety, and includes 
a hundred and one articles which our limited space will 
not admit of mention. Well informed, reliable and cour- 
teous assistants are employed, and the entire business is- 
conducted by Mr. Stanhope on a high plane of honor and 
fair representation of all goods and one price, that the 
lowest. 

Wellman & Newton, dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, 
Hardware, Croclieiy, Boots and Shoes, Paper Hangings 
and Notions, Flour, Feed aud High Grade Fertilizers, 
Durham, Conn. — There is no use in trying to describe 
such a stock as is carried by Jlessrs. Wellman & Newton 
in detail, for, to begin with, our space is not half large 
enough, and then, again, it is not to be fitly described in 
words, anyway. The only thing to do is to go see it your- 
self. The time there spent will not be wasted, by any 
means, for the goods are so varied in kind that you will 
surely find something )'Ou need among them, and the 
prices are so low that there is no fear but what you will 
get the full worth of your money, whether you spend ten 
cents or ten dollars. This is one of the best known and 
oldest established enterprises in Durham, it having been 
inaugurated in 1834 by Sir. L. W. Leach. The pre.<.ent 
firmis composed of Mr, F, L, 'Wellman, and Mr, F. S. 
Newton, both natives of Durham. The premises made 
use of are very spacious, comprising a store 30x80 fe< t in 
dimensions, and two storehouses, these being none too 
large to accommodote the immense and varied stock dealt 
in, which includes dry goods, groceries, hardware, crock- 
ery, boots and shoes, paper hangings, notions, eic , also 
flour, feed, and high grade fertilizers, and the stock is 
always kept complete in every department. Three com- 
petent assistants are employed and every caller is assured 
immediate and courteous attention. 

G. T. Nettleton, dealer in Beef, Mutton, Pork, Poultry, 
etc., Durham Centre, Conn — The importance of the meat 
and provision trade cannot be over-estimated, for it i» 
truly one of the most prominent industries, engaging the 
attention of a large number of firms and individuals, and 
employing labor and capital to a marked degree, Tliough 
thousands of tons of these commodities are sold each year, 
there is no perceptible diminution in tlie demand for first- 
class goods. Among the several houses devoted to the 
above named line of business in Durham Center, that of 
Mr, G, T. Nettleton occupies an honorable position, Mr. 
Nettleton is a native of Durham Center, and established 
his business in 1880, The premises utilized measure 
18x28 feet, and are filled with a large and well selected 
stock of choice meats, poultry, etc, and a large variety 
of fruits and vegetables in their sea.sons. The large trade 
of this house requires the services of two thoroughly com- 
petent assistants, aud its details are most ably managed, 
n conducting a business of this kind great judgment is 
required in keeping a proper guaranty, as well as quality 
of goods on hand, as the seasons change so suddenly and 
the demands of the public vary with eacli change, Alt 
the goods of tliis liouse are above comment, and all pur- 
chasers are too well aware of their extra quality to oblige 
us to call special attention to them. By continued cfTorls 
to ple.ase all customers, the popularity of this house must 
necessarily increase rapidly. Mr. Nettleton keeps a full 
supply of Western and home butchered beef constantly 
on hand. He also does custom butchering. 



INDEX TO BUSINESS NOTICES. 



BANKS AND liANKGU!). 

Collins, C. F 34 

Farmers and Mechanics' Savings Bank '■iS 

First National Banli, Tlie 39 

Freestone Savings Banlc 40 

Jackson. C. E. & Co 23 

Middlesex tlounty National Bank 27 

Middlesex Banking Co., The 35 

Middletown National Bank 20 

Middletown Savings Bank, The 29 

COAL AND WOOD. 

Deming, Levi S 26 

Pratt, Geo. M 31 



DRUGGISTS. 



Blodgett, C. E 

Fowler. S. VV 

Lord, Geo. W 

Pelton, C. A 

Woodward, Henry 

DKY AND FANCV GOODS AND MILLINERY. 

McDonald, M. A., Mrs 

McDonald, N. , Miss 

Stanhope, M. F 

FURNITURE DEALERS AND IINDERTAKERS. 

Guild, F. A 

Sarsfield , John 

Southniavd, 6. M 

Spain, O'Keefe & Co 

Spencer, W. G 

GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS. 

Ahlquist & Allison 

Branstield, .Tohn 

Burnham, Chas. F 

Bonfoey, C. P 

Briggs. D. L. & Co. (wholesale meats) 

Burr. G. E 

Brownlow, D. R 

Camp, S.imuel T 

Chapman. D. I 

Davis, \V. B 

Fowler, S. W 

Hall, William 

Hills, F. S 

Mulcahy, P 

Nettleton, G. T 

O'Brien, Kichard 

Thayer, Geo. 

Turner, Henj. F 

Walsh, William 



GENERAL STORES. 

Davis, Hcnrv 

McDonald, J. & Son 

Sullivan, Patrick 

Smith, M. A.. Mrs 

Wellman & Newton 



40 
47 
41 
30 
24 

43 
40 

47 

21 
41 
38 
34 
39 

39 
43 
44 
44 
28 
29 
30 
24 
30 
31 
47 
26 
33 
43 
47 
43 
28 
33 
41 

46 
40 
43 
23 

47 



LIVERY AND SALE STAULES. 

Atwel!, W.J 46 

Bent, Thomas B 33 

Smith, Walter H 39 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Augur, E. P. (engineer and surveyor) 34 

Butler, D. D. (insurance) 35 

Bailey, Chas. A. (designer and sculptor) 39 

Browor, W. A. (commission broker) 30 

Chapman. M. J. 11., Mrs. (candy) 33 

Gardiner, Ira L. (produce and commission merchant) 33 

Hubbard, J. W. & Co. (lumber) 27 

Kincaid, .John (harness, etc. ) 27 

Laverty, James (wholesale liquors) 43 

Par.'ihley & Co. (boots and shoes) 32 

Strong & Hale (lumber) 41 

Payne, Lyman (pianos and organs) 31 

Sibley, J. D. (architect) 31 

Weeks, D. L. & Son (crockery) 37 

Watrous, O. S. (dentist) 37 

MANUFACTURERS. 

Arrowwanna Mills (cotton tissue, etc.) 33 

Brown. L. D. & Son (machine twist and sewing silk). 35 

Chapman, W. H. & Co. (saddlery hardware) 21 

Douglas. W. & B. (pumps, etc.) 24 

Foster Brothers Co., The (padlocks and smnll hard 

ware) 35 

Goodyear Rubber Co 21 

Merrlani Mfg. Co. (tin goods, etc.) 47 

Parsons, W. A & Co. (cash boxes, etc.) 46 

Hussell Mfg. Co , The 22 

Rogers & Hubbard Co. , The 22 

Smith. Otis A. (hardware specialties) 44 

Wilcox, Wm., Mfg. Co. (wrought iron plate, etc.). ... 36 

PHOTOGRAPHERS. 

Hennigar Bros 31 

Willis, Frank E 30 

QUARRIES. 

Brainerd Quarry Co. , The 41 

Conn. Sleam Brown Stone Works 40 

Middlesex (^larry Co.. Tlie 38 

Slialcr it Hall Quarry Co 39 

STOVES AND TIN WARE, PLU.MKING, ETC. 

Bailey & Stothart 34 

Brownlow, 1). R 30 

Mills. D. Lyman 31 

Smith, E. B 32 

Ward, H. W 33 

TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS. 

Blake & Barton 20 

Brewster, Frank D 32 

Newton. CM 34 

Wells, E. H 25 



I 



